Deepti Patel
Ten years ago, the Parekh report on the future of multi-cultural Britain said: "Every generation owes its successors a duty to bequeath them a better country than it inherited".
In my view, these words aptly echo the reason why we are all involved in this campaign. Essentially we want to be a part of the process of creating a better community for future generations.
Diversity and access to equal opportunities has never been more relevant. Last year saw the British political establishment, named and shamed, in the wake of the MPs' expenses scandal. As a nation – even those of us who claim to be politically apathetic – we sat up and paid attention as mid recession we saw the extent to which, the blatant abuse of power had spread within the politics.
The way in which ethnic minorities view public appointments, is somewhat similar to the way they view politics – it's not something for "us", it is for "them" – in other words it is inaccessible.
The Parekh report was a bold piece of research, which looked at ethnic diversity in Britain and the obstacles and issues that it is fair to say, up until that point, had been inadequately addressed and understood, by the major political parties.
It addressed changes that were needed in the police service, the wider criminal justice system, education, government and other public services.
The report opposed the use of quotas, positive discrimination and all attempts to give any group privileged treatment. Instead the focus, in the commission's view, was to ensure equal opportunity for all, secure fair treatment and respect difference – all of which it was hoped would create a more cohesive and self-confident Britain.
Do we really need to engage in yet another tick-box event, while in actuality nothing has changed? Because 10 years down the line we are still fighting for more equal and diverse public sector. The statistics released by the Government Equalities Office speak for themselves.
It has taken time, hard work and legislation but both men and women from our community have broken through the glass ceiling in the private sector in this country. In comparison to this exponential headway that has been made in the private sector, senior public appointments have been blocked from experiencing the same levels of growth in diversity.
There are plenty of examples from our community. But change takes not only time, but perseverance.
So yes we are in a place, where in 2010 we are having to talk quotas – but this is in the context of open recruitment, and the meritocracy of the applicant who will be assessed on their suitability and experience in carrying out the public role.
We desperately need fresh blood in our public bodies. Having the same faces effectively re-electing themselves is not a system that should be tolerated by the British taxpayer.
My view is that if public appointments were not so highly paid – maybe, just maybe, some of those old faces might not be so interested in the holding on to the role in any case – making way for people with a genuine desire to carry out the function.
Public service albeit on a museum board or in politics is first and foremost about serving your community and your country. Rather than haughtiness, which is often displayed through the holding of office, humility should be one of the key attributes we should expect from those taking these positions.
The public you will serve, are, whether you like it or not, your employers, and as such the duty owed to them is to carry out your function effectively and to the best of your ability.
I believe that our community has these attributes in addition to the requisite qualifications and experience required to apply – in fact I would go so far as to say maybe we are humble to a fault. I urge members of our community to be bold, step outside the mould, and apply.
We have desirable applicants and in time if there is still no movement in a positive direction – well then we have a whole different conversation ahead of us.
Deepti Patel is a trainee solicitor and trustee of the Interfaith Youth Trust
