ISCRE (the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality) became a registered charity in 1996, having started in 1977 under the name ‘Ipswich & District Committee for Community Relations’. In 1982 the name changed to ‘Ipswich and District Community Relations Council’ and again in 1987 to its present name, ISCRE.
ISCRE runs culturally-informed interventions to support individuals and organisations in the statutory, private and voluntary sectors, to understand the extent and nature of inequality experienced by individuals and groups in fields such as the criminal justice system, housing, employment, education, health and social care. The aim is to encourage them to implement policies and practices which will eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity, and good relations, between all persons.
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.
Diversity means difference which can be many and varied in the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, national origin, culture, marital status, family structure, health, values, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.
Equality is about making sure people are treated fairly and given fair chances. Equality is not about treating everyone in the same way, but it recognises that their needs are met in different ways.
ISCRE’S main purpose is to work towards:
- the elimination of unlawful discrimination on the grounds of people’s race, sex, disability, age, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief.
- promoting equality of opportunity and good relations between all persons and to advance and organise co-operation in the achievement of the aforesaid purposes.
