IPS Grow unequivocally condemns the recent racist violence, Islamophobia and anti-migrant hate witnessed across the country. Such acts are a betrayal of the core values that bring the IPS community together and give us strength. Our hearts, thoughts and solidarity are with all people of colour targeted for hate and experiencing fear or trauma. We thank the emergency services for their bravery in the face of this violence. We continue to think, too, of the families of Southport who’ve faced not only the unimaginable loss of their loved ones but the desecration of their grief by racist mobs masquerading as protesters.  

At IPS Grow, we’re committed to fighting for racial equity and justice in everything that we do. We commit to use our voice to speak out against racism in all its forms and support others in the community to do the same. We’ll also do all we can to protect clients and staff from harm and abuse. This means: 

Flexibility and sensitivity  

We’ll conduct Fidelity Reviews and other aspects of our work with flexibility and sensitivity, ensuring that people of colour can participate in ways and at times that allow them to feel safe, including remote options. We encourage IPS services to speak to their IPS Grow Regional Lead about how racist violence may be impacting their clients and staff, so we can provide appropriate support and adjustments. 

Support for staff 

We’ll support our staff from racially minoritized communities to adjust their work patterns for safety, including working from home and making decisions about travel. We’ll communicate with services on a case-by-case basis if these adjustments are likely to significantly impact our interactions. 

Zero-tolerance policy 

We’ll  continue to show zero-tolerance for any racist, Islamophobic or anti-migrant hate and abuse – or encouragement and support of the same – by any member of our team or by any associated service or partner. 

Race equity initiatives  

We’ll intensify our efforts on race equity, including supporting services to develop and submit a race equity action plan and, from April 2025, requiring services to meet race equity anchors in order to achieve the IPSG Quality Mark. 

We encourage and support services to: 

  • Speak up against racism and do everything you can to exercise your duty of care towards staff and clients affected or at risk of racist and Islamophobic violence. This includes creating safe spaces for clients and staff to talk about their experiences. 
  • Ensure that clients and staff know that your IPS service has a zero-tolerance approach to racism and abuse with clear reporting lines, especially (though not exclusively) where individuals are known to have participated in or otherwise encouraged racist violence 
  • Create a race equity action plan and commit to working with IPS Grow to ensure equality of access, experience and outcomes for people from racialized communities who engage with an IPS service 

As individuals, there are many positive things our community can do to show solidarity and allyship: 

  • Support colleagues witnessing, experiencing or otherwise impacted by racism and anti-Muslim or anti-migrant hate. Reach out to them and let them know they’re not alone. 
  • Look after yourself – Remember, it’s okay to prioritise your safety and wellbeing, especially if you’re a person of colour. 
     

We know that the overwhelming majority of people in our community and this country reject racism and abhor anti-Muslim and anti-migrant hate. We’re encouraged by the statements of support issued by IPS services already and by anti-racism protests springing up across the UK. Thank you for everything that you’re doing to keep your colleagues and clients safe and free from harm, and for your allyship in the fight for race equity and justice. It matters so much.  

Niall O’Reilly, Director at IPS Grow