Taking pride in rich diversity that puts region on the map
Combined Authority would take the lead, engaging with all the communities across the region and helping to overcome some of the barriers making it harder for people from marginalised to succeed.
This week I launched my Mayor and Faith Action Plan which sets out the concerns I have heard from faith groups and how we can work together with the many faiths in the West Midlands to make local communities, stronger, safer and more successful.
At the mayor and Faith Conference, staged at the University of Birmingham in November, 400 people of different faiths came together to explore ways to tackle hate crime, increase job opportunities and reduce homelessness. We have also been looking at the huge leadership gap in the region.
Look across the boardrooms of the West Midlands, the top teams in the public sector and our civil society organisations.
What you find simply does not reflect our rich diversity.
In a few weeks the West Midlands Combined Authority will publish the findings of its Leadership Commission, which has been led by Anita Bhalla and Councillor Steve Eling, leader of Sandwell Council.
Over the last ten months, the members of the Commission have carried out an audit of the leadership in the West Midlands and worked to identify the reasons they are not fulfilling their potential.
They found that white working class boys, black and minority ethnic groups, women, LGBT and disabled people are statistically
White working class boys, black and minority ethnic groups, women, LGBT and disabled people are statistically underrepresented in leadership roles
under-represented in leadership roles. The recommendations in the report will make sure that everyone can succeed, no matter their background.
There are, of course, some encouraging signs. Just take a look at the fantastic ambassadors for our region highlighted by the
in its 30 Under 30 campaign and you can see that there is huge potential.
This is a young and incredibly diverse region.
As Channel 4 looks for a new home, they will see all the energy and creativity of our region, but they will also see our resolute commitment to a West Midlands where everyone can flourish. Andy Street is Conservative mayor
for the West Midlands