A group of black and minority ethnic housing organisations has set up a training course for grassroots staff after its frustration with the Housing Corporation’s efforts to improve race relations.
Ronnie Moodley, chief executive of ARHAG Housing Association, part of the training consortium, condemned the corporation’s recent race and equality framework review as “a sheer waste of time and money”.

He added: “Race issues have become divorced from the community. We want to go back to reality and teach housing officers how to work in the community and break down barriers.”

The courses, which will be taught by members of the BME Consultants network, will be held across the UK and will cost about £25 per day. Full details will be released in the spring.