Here at BR&EC we provice the following services (You can also download our Leaflet too!)

Advice Surgeries:

Advice is provided on a variety of issues including: Passport and VISA applications, benefits, welfare, housing issues and basic immigration services, education, training, social services and employment. A full referral service is also offered. No appointment is necessary and clients are seen on a strictly first come first serve basis.
Sessions are held from Monday to Thursday 10am 'til 2pm inclusive.

For more information contact the BR&EC office on 01234 350459.

Consultancy Services:

The R&EC acts as a consultant to both public and statutory bodies on issues of Equality and Diversity and supports employers with producing Equality and Diversity Policies and to recognise the value of a diverse workforce. The R&EC aims to give all communities represented throughout Bedfordshire a clear voice and opportunity to be heard on all issues relating to equalities. The R&EC will also facilitate consultations to assess the needs of the local communities and identify problems, concerns and comments.

In addition to consultation services, the R&EC also acts as an Independent Advisor on published Equality Schemes, Equality Act 2010 and Equality and Diversity Policies for all local authorities and statutory organisations.

Casework:

The R&EC can take on casework up to Employment Tribunal Level for individuals who feel they have been discriminated against in the workplace. The service also includes a full referral service.

In most cases the R&EC will act as a support network to guide you through your internal grievance or harassment procedure, in more complicated cases we can work with yourself and your employer to try and resolve the issue and where necessary assist in preparing your case for Employment Tribunal. We will support individuals who believe they are experiencing Discrimination in the Workplace under any of the Equality Enactments.

Please note that the R&EC cannot represent you at Employment Tribunal, at this stage we will offer a full referral service.

If you felt that you have been or are experiencing harassment and discrimination in the workplace and would like to seek the guidance of the R&EC in dealing with the issue with your employer, then please contact us Mon-Weds 9:30-3:30 on 01234 350459 to speak to an Adviser or call outside of these hours to make an appointment.

Volunteering & Work Placements

Bedford R&EC believes in offering opportunities to all to help individuals in access to employment. We encourage volunteers to work with the REC in a number of roles including assisting with specific project and events. We particularly welcome volunteers with language skills who can assist in providing translation and interpretation services.

The R&EC also takes on social work placement students in partnership with University of Bedfordshire.

Education Support Service:

The Education Support Service provides mentoring support to students in order to try and raise attainment and aspirations of young people. The main aim is to try and break down barriers to learning and unlock education opportunities for students, primarily aimed at BME students in Upper Schools, but referrals are accepted for non-BME students for this programme.
 

The R&EC is always looking for Mentors and students to participate in the project. If you would like to find out more then please contact the R&EC for further details on (01234) 350459

Bedfordshire Women’s Forum:

Bedfordshire Women’s Forum has now been established since 2003 and has attracted members from all sections of the community to participate in community activities and to enable increased provision and access to services for local women. If you would like further details and information regarding forthcoming activities regarding the Bedfordshire Women’s Forum, please contact Glenis Orkisz.

Support to local Community Groups:
The R&EC has provided assistance and support to many local BME community groups.
Support has included:

  Funding
  Recruitment
  Partnerships
  Training
  Identifying premises
  Charity registration
  Launch Events

If you are looking to set up a group and would like assistance and support from the REC please contact us on (01234) 350459

Translation and Interpretation Services:

Bedford R&EC can assist in the translation of documents as well as providing interpreters on an Ad Hoc basis as required.
For further information regarding translation fees and Interpretation Services, please contact the office.