The deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in the United States have sparked a global movement for change and a new conversation about systemic racism in our society.

We stand with all of those raising their voice against racism, discrimination and injustice. But we know it isn’t good enough for us to stand against racism, we must be actively anti-racist.

At the heart of all of our work is our commitment to give voice to those who are voiceless. Now is a time to listen, reflect and act on these voices.

Firstly, we acknowledge that while our team is diverse in so many ways, we are not diverse in terms of race. We will take steps so that this changes over time, looking at staff and board recruitment processes, as well as our Dignity at Work policy.

Secondly, we will ensure that in all of our participation projects we are making an active effort to engage and amplify the voice of Black, Asian and minority ethnic young people with care experience.

Thirdly, we will place a particular emphasise through our policy and influencing work on the fulfilment of Article 8 – the right to an identity – for children and young people in and leaving the care system, particularly for those that are of Black, Asian and minority ethnic.

In everything we do on this we will work with and support our member organisations and partners to do likewise.

With this collective effort, brave leadership and a willingness to do things differently, we can break down the systemic and institutional racism that is all too prevalent in our society.