Lacking CRED

The findings of a recent government report into inequality and disparities among people from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds were a missed opportunity, the British Psychological Society has said. The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (CRED) report was heavily criticised by academics, MPs, campaign groups and unions after its publication.   

The commission, set up by prime minister Boris Johnson following the 2020 Black Lives Matter Protests, examined disparities in a number of areas, including education and health, and made 24 recommendations grouped into four themes – build trust, promote fairness, create agency, achieve inclusivity. Many groups and individuals criticised the commission’s findings for not acknowledging institutional and structural racism and cherry-picking statistics.   

BPS Deputy Chief Executive Diane Ashby said the report failed to identify disparities in society and systemic racism, and said the BPS was particularly concerned that denying the lived experience of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people could be retraumatising and have an adverse psychological impact.    

‘As stated previously we recognise that institutional racism exists and as an organisation we will tackle it. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies in striving for anti-racist practice and are committed to tackling racism within our profession. We will not be complacent.’