Race On The Agenda

Welcome to the MiNet homepage

Welcome to the homepage for Minority Ethnic Network (MiNet) where you can find all information about MiNet, its structure, achievements and publications, including details of past and present activities. We are glad you are interested in the work of MiNet and look forward to your engagement in representing London's BAME population.

About MiNet

MiNet is London's only Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) third sector infrastructure network which provides a voice for London's BAME population in the development of regional policy. MiNet is made as effective as possible by using the strength of its network and by targeting a limited number of policy areas identified as key concerns by London's BAME third sector.

A method used to ensure MiNet's work is more transparent, accountable and a true reflection of issues faced by London's BAME communities is its Advisory Group, comprised of 10 BAME membership bodies and networks from across London who help to direct and coordinate MiNet's overall activities.

MiNet is involved in engaging members in policy consultations and represents the BAME sector at policy boards as seen in the ROTA representation table and enables members to become representatives on groups such as the Mayor of London's Heritage Diversity Task Force Sub-groups.

MiNet and ROTA

Since 2002, MiNet has been facilitated and hosted by ROTA on behalf of London's BAME third sector. MiNet and ROTA's relationship is mutually beneficial in the sense that MiNet has enhanced and strengthened the development of ROTA's policy work. By using its networks, MiNet plays a crucial role in engaging London's BAME third sector to bring policy issues onto the ROTA policy programme. An example of this is ROTA's research into the Impact of the Recession on the BAME third sector which was carried out through the network of MiNet.

MiNet's History

MiNet was set up in 1999 by the Cabinet Office as the regional BAME infrastructure network for the engagement, support and coordination of BAME organisations in policy development. Partnership and collaborative working have underpinned the delivery of MiNet's agenda. It is for this reason that the network regularly works in partnership with both members and non-members to meet its outcomes.

MiNet's two main third sector strategic partners are Third Sector Alliance (3SA), the mainstream Cabinet Office funded London regional network of networks which is part of LVSC; and Voice for Change England (V4CE), the recently established policy body dedicated to strengthening the BAME third sector nationally. MiNet is both a founding member and sits on the Executive Group of V4CE.

An example of MiNet's past work and contribution towards promoting BAME third sector was the mapping of BAME engagement in Every Child Matters Agenda. Hisotrically, MiNet's role has also involved the dissemination of research and also representation and advocacy for London's BAME third sector.

MiNet's Present Funding

From April 2009, CapacityBuilders have undertaken the administering role of funds to the regional networks, and have therefore been working with the networks and other stakeholders to shape the investment until 2011. CapacityBuilders has an existing relationship with many of the networks and an understanding of the environment in which they work.

To meet funding requirements, CapacityBuilders have proposed each regional network should meet the following proposed two outcomes:

By 2011, regional third sector networks have been able to demonstrate increased influence over regional and national policy affecting the third sector;
By 2011, regional third sector networks are able to demonstrate improvement in their leadership, income diversity and efficiency.

Despite the good news that funding is available for regional third sector networks from CapacityBuilders, the amount offered signals a significant drop of 50% over two years compared to that previously received by the regional networks from the Office of the Third Sector. Therefore a key aim for MiNet and its members over the next two years will be to ensure sustainability.

MiNet's Representation

MiNet meets regularly with other BAME regional networks from across England to discuss and coordinate on common issues impacting on the BAME third sector and to coalesce on different campaigns. Regional networks help ensure that the voice of local third sector organisations shapes regional policy and strategy, and provide a channel of communication between regional bodies and frontline community groups. The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) networks have a particular role in ensuring their communities' voices are heard, tackling discrimination and building strong relationships. MiNet is also a member on other policy tables, such as Neighbourhood ChangeUp sub-group, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOGOG), and Children and Young People Engage Network, where the needs and interests of London's BAME communities are represented.