Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain regarding options on how to improve equality and diversity in applications for the Freedom.

Note: this report will be circulated as a late item before the meeting.

The Committee noted that the report had been provided as a late supplementary paper. Hard copies were made available for Members at the meeting.

The Chamberlain introduced the report, which focused on how diversity can be improved in respect to those applying for the Freedom of the City. He noted that in relation to paragraphs 10, 11 and 12 of the report – suggestions regarding Chief Officer nominations – there had been a very positive response, with over 30 responses having been received already. He stated that the summit group of Chief Officers had endorsed the approach as a valuable way of increasing diversity.

Deputy Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee, Mark Boleat, stated that the recommendations in the report do not go far enough, and that without bolder actions the City, and the Freedom of the City, may be open to challenge in the future. He further stated that the question of patrimony on the application form was out of date, and does not aid the drive to improve the diversity of recipients.

The Chairman acknowledged the points raised, although stated that there is a limit to what the Committee can do. He further stated that the liveries have a vital role in increasing diversity.

Alderman Duckworth commented that education is a good area to target, and that the visibility of an improvement of diversity is key to ensuring the success of the Freedom of the City Award.

The Committee discussed that in respect to the allocation of a £5,000 budget to pay fees for

potential candidates from schools and academies (for a pilot period of 12 months), the emphasis should be on those receiving bursaries from local independent schools, City of London family schools, and City of London Academies. The Committee further commented that Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court should write to cadets organisations, their chief executives and clerks (namely the RFCA and the Greater London Lieutenancy) to encourage outstanding cadets to apply – or be nominated for – the Freedom of the City Award. The Committee stated that they would be in favour of throwing a suitable celebration for those who receive the Freedom having been recipients through the pilot programme.

Mark Boleat requested that consideration is given to ongoing communication for those who receive the Freedom of the City Award, such as social media groups, so as to keep them involved with the honour and the process.

The Chairman stated that he would write to Members of Common Council to encourage them to consider the matter of diversity when nominating for the Freedom Award.

The Chamberlain informed the Committee that he would draft a paper to the Livery Committee capturing the action points from the discussion of this item. Alderman Keaveny commented that liveries should be told to address the matter of diversity when nominating individuals for the Freedom.

RESOLVED –

1.    That the Committee noted the wider set of options listed in the report to promote diversity;

2.    That the Committee endorsed the provision of a budget of £5,000 to pay fees for candidates to increase diversity for a pilot period of 12 months, with a focus on those receiving bursaries from local independent schools, City of London family schools, City of London Academies, and outstanding cadets from relevant organisations.

3.    That the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court be instructed to write to cadets organisations, their chief executives and clerks (namely the RFCA and the Greater London Lieutenancy) to encourage outstanding cadets to apply – or be nominated for – the Freedom of the City Award.

4.    That the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court should organise a suitable celebration for those who receive the Freedom having been recipients through the pilot programme.

5.    That the Chairman should write to Members of Common Council to encourage them to consider the matter of diversity when nominating for the Freedom Award.