bemis (scotland)
London
BEMIS is the national umbrella body supporting the development of the Ethnic
Minorities Voluntary Sector in Scotland. BEMIS was established in 2001 to
promote the interest of minority ethnic voluntary organisations, develop
capacity and support inclusion and integration of ethnic minorities communities.
It is a member-led and managed organisation with an elected board of directors.
The major aims and objectives of BEMIS are to represent and support the
development of the ethnic minority voluntary sector across Scotland, and to
support the diverse communities and individuals that this sector represents,
especially those who are under- represented and disadvantaged. BEMIS aims to
address inequalities by empowering communities, working towards an inclusive
society by establishing structures, which recognise diversity and empowers
ethnic minorities, and ensuring that they are fully recognised and supported as
a valued part of the Scottish multicultural civic society. Initial Key aims and
objectives: To strengthen the capacity of the ethnic minorities voluntary
sector. Raise the profile of the ethnic minorities’ voluntary sector and its
needs at strategic, local and national levels. Have a coordinating role for the
voice of the ethnic minorities’ voluntary sector, ensuring pertinent issues are
raised with the relevant bodies. To take a lead on policy issues and debate
which are of concern to minority ethnic communities at both local and national
levels. Work in partnership with all stakeholders and the diverse Ethnic
Minorities communities in support of equality and a multicultural Scotland. Key
Strengths Of BEMIS as identified in the HMIE review: a highly committed board of
directors and staff who brought with them a good range of professional skills
and a clear understanding of their responsibilities; the organisation had been
successful in uniting a diverse range of stakeholders; BEMIS was highly valued
by stakeholders and was making a positive impact on individuals, organisations
and communities; strong commitment to inclusion and diversity; and strong
commitment to ensuring grass roots organisations have a voice rather than acting
as a spokesperson for EM communities. The above is complemented by the following
notions stated by HMIE: A sector leading organisation/ excellent rating. BEMIS
made a significant difference in local communities and to the organisations it
supported. 93.6 % of questionnaire respondents rated the overall service
provided by BEMIS as good to excellent Active involvement in research work with
other organisations [which] enhanced understanding and removed barriers to BME
involvement in local and national democracy Organisational efficiency and
effectiveness for stakeholder organisations had been improved BEMIS gives grass
roots a voice rather than acting as mouthpiece for EM communities BEMIS had been
instrumental in securing a significant increase in the EM responses to
consultation processes making effective use of its network both nationally and
across a diverse range of ethnic communities/ BEMIS was making a positive
contribution to policy development and had been instrumental in ensuring
…‘engagement’… directly with EM organisations/ BEMIS had a strong track record
of consulting its target communities, identifying needs and responding quickly
with programmes and projects. Their commitment to capacity building ensured that
local projects were self sustaining and no longer required significant support
from BEMIS staff The comprehensive range of accredited training opportunities
offered including a BA in community regeneration and HNC working in communities
ensured EM people in local communities had the skills to better engage with
local structures and partnerships Managers and staff at BEMIS were highly
motivated, energetic and committed to the purpose of their work. They worked
very effectively as a team, providing high levels of mutual support. The very
strong commitment of BEMIS to diversity and inclusion was reflected in its
diverse membership. Participants in the professional development courses came
from a range of ethnic backgrounds The organisation had made very good efforts
to target specific communities with its work, and to involve them in its
management the organisation was not fully capitalising on its excellent work. It
should develop better means to communicate and celebrate its successes so as to
raise its profile. There is a strong commitment at both board and staff level to
ensure that the diverse voluntary sector and communities this sector represents
are fully recognised and supported as a valued part of civic society and a
multicultural Scotland. BEMIS enjoys a high proportion of fundamental Strengths
that are essential for the development and delivery of our role and remit. The
opportunities for developing and delivering our strategies and objectives are
ample and remain to be explored and exploited to the full in support of the
diverse EMVS as well as government policies and initiatives around equality and
social justice. Within the above context, BEMIS has and continue to be a major
partner in supporting the equality agenda in Scotland and in supporting the
diverse communities within the framework of equality, diversity and a cohesive
multicultural Scotland. We envisage this role to be enhanced and promoted
enabling us to function and deliver at several levels in empowering the diverse
EM voluntary sector and the communities this sector represents as well as
assisting national policies and objectives of the government in their endeavour
to promote an equal multicultural Scotland.
