We want to change and they have the power: Findings of Bristol BAME sector review

The legacy of austerity and enduring underinvestment – which stems form lack of equity in funding and procurement – have left Bristol’s BAME-led sector wounded. Survival has become the key measure of success, and most organisations rely on tight budgets and depend on voluntary work in order to survive. This report presents findings of a review of the BAME-led voluntary and community sector in Bristol. Its methods included survey and interview research with BAME-led organisations. Participants were also involved in a series of consultative roundtable meetings. Recommendations include proposals to: (1) work towards equity of funding, (2) create parallel networks for BAME-led organisations and funders to foster connectivity, (3) implement an intensive and collaborative capacity building programme, and (4) invest in supported and collaborative asset transfer strategies to acknowledge that rebuilding the sector is a long-term process.