1. Working with Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
January 2017
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2. BAME communities: a taboo area?
Discussions around the BAME communities in the UK are ones that are often considered very sensitive: in fact, the concerns about offending the group being discussed can weigh so heavily on the minds of practitioners that the area is often considered to be taboo.
However, the fear of this ‘taboo’ subject is rooted in a lack of understanding of this community and it’s particular features, and as such many are unsure what is the appropriate way to begin any discussion involving BAME communities.
This best practise guidance aims to dispel some of this confusion and provide support and guidance for advisers wishing to do work in this area.
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3. BAME
Black and Minority Ethnic or Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic is the terminology normally used in the UK to describe people of non-white descent. In the UK, the term black is also used in a political sense by other minority ethnic groups, especially Asians, who feel that their common experience of racism outweighs cultural differences.
This definition is provided by the UK Institute of Race Relations, but in practical terms is also used to include those groups in the UK from white but non-British descent: this therefore can often include Eastern Europeans, Gypsies, and Travellers.
BAME is an acronym for:
Black
Asian,
Minority
Ethnic
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4. Barriers we find in BAME communities
An intrinsically cash-centric culture.
A society that revolves around religious belief.
A distrust of British authorities.
Evidence of gender bias and discrimination.
Isolated communities.
Low levels of literacy.
Intradependence: very close-knit, extended families.
Early marriage and large families.
A cultural focus on honour and shame.
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5. Two key principles to remember
It is difficult to underestimate the degree to which members of BAME communities can feel isolated and persecuted in modern British society. Anyone working with BAME communities must be aware of the fundamental underlying distrust of British authority that will always be present. In addition, BAME communities often feel that racial and cultural prejudices often exist within both British institutions and informal members of the public.
Those BAME communities that practise the Islamic faith will have slightly different sentiments around the use of common financial products that our general clients. There are several features of UK banking products and services that may be causes for concern with this community, but primary amongst them is the religious prohibition that Islam places on borrowing any money that requires the payment of interest. This can apply to loans, credit cards and mortgages.
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6. How do we break down these barriers?
The gypsy race is an old-fashioned and, sadly, a very bitter one. They live, breathe, sleep, grieve, love and care for only their own people. They don't like or trust the ways of others and don't have contact or friendships with other races, afraid that one day they will be forced to turn their backs on their once proud way of life and become like any other.
Quote source: Gypsy Boy by Mikey Walsh
Mikey Walsh grew up in a gypsy community, and was in fact a champion bare-knuckle fighter. He left when still a teenager as he was gay and that was not well-accepted by this community. More info can be found at
Remember that Gypsy and Traveller communities are also BAME communities, and this Quote is applicable to many other BAME groups.

7. How do we break down these barriers?
Step One – Review your existing knowledge and skills
Do you already have experience of working with BAME communities?
Identify partners and trusted intermediaries
Have you had experience of delivering basic skills training to people who are unable to read and write English?
Have you talked with an experienced trainer about their work with this community?
Do some research about BAME communities in your local area
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8. How do we break down these barriers?
Step Two – Review your service and take steps to make it more accessible
Carry out a review
Identify partners and trusted intermediaries
Your local authority
Health professionals (specialist health visitors)
Provide specific support for clients with low levels of literacy, or a need for interpreters
Provide flexibility and assistance with appointments
Prepare and display targeted publicity materials
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9. How do we break down these barriers?
Step Three – Provide a specific service for BAME clients
Make direct links
Community development and engagement work
Celebrate Black History Month
Advice surgeries (alone or in partnership)
Building trust through campaigning and joint action
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10. How do we break down these barriers?
Step Four– Develop a dedicated outreach and support service
Advice Hub/Network Expert
Outreach advice service
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11. Thanks for listening!

12. Our team David Mahon Forums / Training & resources Hannah Luck
Hannah Luck
Forums / Communication & information
Basam Diablos
Financial capability development consultant
Christy McAleese
Service Delivery and Contract Manager-Financial Capability

13. Presented by:
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