Home Office staff to receive ‘comprehensive’ training on the history of migration and race in the UK in the wake of the Windrush scandal
- Training for Home Office staff to ‘understand history of migration in this country’
- Priti Patel pledged to take ‘a more compassionate approach to applications’
- The Home Secretary said ‘nothing like’ the Windrush scandal ‘can happen again’
Home Office staff are set to receive ‘comprehensive’ training on the history of migration and race in the UK in the wake of the Windrush scandal.
Setting out a plan to make a more ‘compassionate’ department, Home Secretary Priti Patel yesterday promised a full evaluation of the ‘hostile environment’ policy introduced by Theresa May.
Changes will include: ‘Comprehensive training for everyone working in the Home Office to ensure they understand and appreciate the history of migration and race in this country,’ the government announced yesterday.
Home Secretary Priti Patel warned ‘nothing like (the Windrush scandal) can happen again,’ as she announced changes to shake up training and diversity at the Home Office on Tuesday
A statement on the Home Office’s website read: ‘Every existing and new member of staff working for the Home Office will be required to undertake this learning.’
Ms Patel was forced to apologise in March after a major report, titled the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, concluded ‘elements of institutional racism’ were behind the Windrush scandal.
An official inquiry ripped into the Home Office over ‘appalling’ failures that led to legal British residents being deported and made destitute.
Report author Wendy Williams, an inspector of constabulary, rejected civil servants’ claims that the Windrush scandal had been impossible to predict.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said yesterday: ‘I am driving change to implement the important findings of the Lessons Learned review to make sure nothing like this can happen again.
‘The action I have taken will ensure cultural change at the department, leading to more diverse leadership.
‘I want the Windrush generation to have no doubt that I will reform the culture of the department so it better represents all of the communities we serve.’
Further details of changes within the Home Office are expected to be published in September, but according to the government’s website, it is expected to start ‘taking a more compassionate approach to individual applications and decision makers will be empowered to use their own discretion and pragmatism.’
The department is also vowing to create diverse shortlists for senior jobs and introduce ‘specialist mentoring’ to ensure BAME workers can attain senior roles.
Bishop Derek Webley, co-chair of the Windrush Cross-Government Working Group said: ‘I and others on this group know the communities who have been affected well.
‘We live, work and dwell among them. They have endured a great deal for a long time, and they must not be disappointed again.
‘The true story of the Windrush generation is one of courage, faith, and hope.
‘One of success and achievement. That is where we need to get to, and this process represents another positive step on the journey there.’
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