Black South West Network

BSWN’s over-arching strategic intent is to build dynamic, independent, and strong BAME communities, businesses and organizations that are empowered to flourish while challenging systemic barriers and forging a true path for themselves. We believe that only through this will we significantly address racial inequality. All our portfolio feeds into this aim.

Our work falls into three broad areas – Cross-sector Enterprise and Innovation; Cultural Inclusion; Research and Knowledge – with Scrutiny and Accountability and Representation and Power as an over-arching themes that cut through all our work.

Over the years, BSWN has developed a strong reputation for evidence driven work based on our own robust and academically sound research. We have started to fill the significant gaps in knowledge that are created by the lack of focus on the specific understandings, experiences, needs, wants, feelings and aspirations of the BAME communities in Bristol and the region.

Our vision
A society in which inequality and discrimination on the basis of racial or ethnic categorisation is wholly and completely absent.

Our Mission
To be a driving force for racial equality in the South West and nationally through releasing the agency and voice of BAME people such that they can utilize robust research, lived experiences, and innate knowledge to influence decision -making, increase their economic and social capital, and construct a more equitable and prosperous society for BAME people everywhere.

Our Values
Equity

Inclusivity

Justice

Fairness

Honesty

Accountability