Vision & Mission

Our vision is of a society where equality and diversity are respected, valued and embraced, a society free from all forms of racism, sectarianism, discrimination and social exclusion; where human rights are guaranteed. NICEM works in partnership, to bring about social change through partnership and alliance building, and to achieve equality of outcome and full participation in society.

Core Functions

NICEM identifies the following core functions, which will undertake to achieve its strategic aims and objectives. These are:

• Identifying and presenting the views of the sector
  NICEM shall endeavour to exert influence on government departments and agencies by gathering and presenting the views of Black and Minority ethnic communities to departments and agencies and, where possible, by participating in the formulation and review of policies and strategies.
• Policy, research and information
  NICEM will inform the sector of relevant policy, strategic issues, the structures and decision-making processes of departments and agencies. It will also undertake research into specific issues of strategic importance, disseminate information and facilitate discussions within the sector.
• Community infrastructure
  NICEM will facilitate the sharing of information; provide support, advice and direction for newly emerging minority ethnic groups, and support the ongoing process of community participation.
• Capacity building for Black and Minority ethnic communities
  NICEM will enable the Black and Minority Ethnic ethnic sector to improve their disadvantaged position and to build their capacity in order to be more effective in providing successful community development services. We will also enable member groups to exert greater influence over policy and strategic issues through participation.
• Racial Equality support services
  NICEM will provide advice and support services to encourage the public, as well as the voluntary and community sectors to set up a model of good practice on racial equality, in particular ethnic monitoring in both employment and service provisions. These include consultancy work, policy planning, anti-racism and cultural awareness, as well as equality and diversity training.
• Advocacy and advice
  NICEM will provide free, confidential, legal and other advice, as well as support services to deal with complaints against an individual public authority, complaints of racial harassment, racial attacks and racial discrimination. Our legal advocacy strategy builds upon both human rights and equality standards in Northern Ireland, the UK, the Council of Europe and the United Nations.
• Campaigning and networking
  NICEM will work with partner organisations in Northern Ireland, the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the EU, the Council of Europe and the UN to campaign for common issues of concerns.