Sharonjit Clare to step down as chair of region’s Race Equality Taskforce

Sharonjit Clare has paid heartfelt thanks to members of the West Midlands Race Equalities Taskforce after announcing she is to step down as chair.

Over the last two years she has led the Taskforce in its mission to make sure local people have the same opportunities regardless of their race, ethnicity, and heritage.

Sharonjit, who was born and raised in the West Midlands and has a professional background in financial services, has steered the Taskforce on initiatives including the Community Led Business Support pilot and the Aaina Community Hub in Walsall.

Sharonjit Clare is stepping down as chair of the West Midlands Race Equalities Taskforce

Her role as chair has also benefitted from her previous work including economic policy and improving women's safety as co-chair of West Midlands Women's Voice.

Announcing her decision, Sharonjit said: “With sadness yet excitement too I have taken the difficult decision to step back from leading the Race Equalities Taskforce.

“Over the last two years we have been focused on action, laying the foundation to intricately understand barriers to inclusivity, strengthening bonds across communities, businesses and the public sector, looking at innovative ways to pool resources and attract investment into the region.

“This culminated in £3 million in economic impact and the indirect impacts are many fold. Over 5,000 voluntary hours have been given by our collective stakeholders.

“My gratitude to everyone who has supported, challenged and contributed to the work done. I’d also liked to give a heartfelt thank you to the Taskforce, both my independent and non- independent members, numerous corporate partners, the many officers across the seven constituent local authorities and combined authority that are on this journey with us. Know that I will continue to champion and hold us accountable in the next furlong. We are stronger together.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “As Mayor, I’m proud to represent a region that is strengthened by its diversity, its tolerance and its sense of community. At the same time, there are too many people from our racially minoritised communities, where poverty and inequality continue to have a significant and negative impact on their lives.

“That’s why I am committed to using all the levers at my disposal to address the issues that hold people back.  

“Under Sharonjit’s leadership, the independent West Midlands Race Equalities Taskforce has been a trailblazer in finding new ways to tackle these disparities – breaking down the barriers to opportunity and prosperity across our communities.

“I want to thank her for volunteering her time, expertise and passion into the Taskforce. She has made an invaluable contribution to the region, laying the foundations for tangible change. She will be able to reflect on her time as Independent Chair of the Race Equalities Taskforce with pride for the impact she has made.”

The Mayor said he would continue to work with local councils and other partnerships to support the Taskforce in building on the important work it has undertaken to date.

“By working together we can make equality of opportunity a reality so that all communities can reach their full potential and help the West Midlands to thrive,” he added.

More details of the work undertaken by the Race Equalities Taskforce under Sharonjit’s leadership are available as part of the RET Annual Progress Report.

Those interested in joining or working with the Taskforce should email  raceequalitiestaskforce@wmca.org.uk