Institutional Racism Review

In 2018, we commissioned the Tutu Foundation UK  to conduct a comprehensive and fully independent review of our practices, both past and present, following allegations of institutional racism against the organisation by some members of the community.

In December 2020, the report on its findings from the review was published by the Tutu Foundation. The report found that:

• Westway Trust, has been and remains institutionally racist. The legacy of institutional racism lives within the organisation in terms of the experience and relations with the African Caribbean community, which has led to a continuing mistrust and suspicion.
• Over a number of decades, there has been evidence of a range of actions instigated by individuals at the Trust, which have created a level of mistrust from both local organisations and parts of the community. It was reported to the Review that this has had a significant impact on the African Caribbean community as well as other communities.
• At a point in its history, the Trust lost sight of the reason for its establishment and early focus on community and inclusivity. This resulted from an increasingly pragmatic approach as to how it viewed the land and a historical lack of diverse representation at Trustee and senior management level.

In the time since The Review was launched in 2018, the Trust has undergone a significant change in leadership. We are now led at Board level by members of the community who campaigned for change and the leadership of the Trust truly reflects the community it is here to serve.   

Annual Progress Report

We have committed to publishing a Report each year, outlining the progress we have made in implementing the recommendations of the Review. You can read the reports below.