Liverpool City Council is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to addressing racial inequality by appointing a leading diversity and inclusion organisation, Inclusivitii, to support the development of a bold, anti-racism strategy for the city and council.
This marks a pivotal moment in the Council’s efforts to foster a more inclusive, fair, and united Liverpool.
Racism remains a deep-rooted issue in the city, impacting areas such as health, education, and employment. Despite Liverpool’s rich and diverse history, many individuals still face barriers.
The Council, alongside its partners, is dedicated to tackling these challenges through meaningful action, ensuring that residents, service users and employees, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive.
The strategy is set for launch in September 2025. In the months ahead, there will be public consultations offering residents, community groups, businesses, and employees the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the approach.
Throughout this process, the Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities Team will continue to support and empower communities, embedding anti-racism principles across the city.
In addition to shaping the city-wide strategy, Inclusivitii will also collaborate with Liverpool City Council to help the organisation become an actively anti-racist organisation.
This work will include reviewing internal policies, practices, and structures to ensure fairness, inclusion, and racial equity in decision-making at all levels.
By nurturing an inclusive culture within its own organisation, the Council aims to set a powerful example and drive transformation across the city.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“We are delighted to appoint Inclusivitii to work with us on our transformative anti-racism strategy for the city. Their expertise is essential in helping us create a more inclusive city.
“I would also like to thank everyone who has supported this process, including Alison Navarro, Programme Director of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Race Equality Hub, and Moni Akinsanya, Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion at Liverpool John Moores University. Their invaluable guidance, along with input from various community organisations, has been crucial throughout the procurement process.
“Being anti-racist isn’t just about recognising inequality and inequity, it’s about actively challenging and eradicating it. Liverpool City Council is committed to driving this change with urgency, transparency, and accountability.
“To make this strategy truly impactful, the voices of Liverpool’s communities must be at the heart of the work. I encourage all residents, community groups, businesses and employees to engage and contribute.”
Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, said:
“This appointment highlights the Council’s commitment to addressing racial inequality and bringing about lasting change, both across the city and within our own organisation.
“As we work toward creating an anti-racist Liverpool, the Council is committed to leading by example. We will continuously examine our internal structures to ensure fairness, inclusion, and racial equity are embedded in every aspect of decision-making.
“By listening to and learning from those who experience racism first-hand, we aim to create a strategy that not only highlights the challenges but also provides real, sustainable solutions for long-term change.”
Aduke Onafowokan from Inclusivitii said:
“Every once in a while, an opportunity arises to make a meaningful impact, one that honours the incredible work already done while unlocking new possibilities for progress. For us, this is such an opportunity to serve communities and individuals.
“We recognise that being anti-racist requires a lasting shift in how we think, behave, and perceive the world around us. It is, therefore, a profound honour to support Liverpool City Council, building on the inspiring work already undertaken by the organisation, to co-produce a strategy that truly reflects the voices, lived experiences, and aspirations of its communities.
“This will move us forward towards a future where racial equity and equality are not just ambitions but a lived reality. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity.”
More information about Inclusivitii can be found at https://www.inclusivitii.com.
