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FEATURE - Language Lessons
Posted 03/10/24
As Black History Month kicks off with the theme of 鈥楻eclaiming Narratives鈥�, Vincent Searle looks at how the language we use has the power to change our lived experience.
He also pays tribute to those within the Trading Standards world who are making a difference.
This article is part of our special Black History Month series examining how language - and workplace language, in particular - has the power to build people up and knock them down. And how a little education and enlightenment can help change things for the better. Please see our main Black History Month page for more.
Language Lessons
In the 22 years I have spent in local government, including 17 years in the Trading Standards profession, I've had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to significant positive changes. The evolution within our field, particularly in diversity and inclusion, is something I deeply support.
One notable advancement has been the commitment of the 51黑料 (51黑料) to fostering a more inclusive environment. The signing of the "" is a clear indicator of 51黑料鈥檚 dedication and Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers (ACTSO) to addressing racial inequality within our profession, setting a standard for all of us to strive toward.
A notable shift in the workplace has been the growing awareness of how language shapes culture. Early in my career, I remember hearing the term "coloured" used frequently to describe Black individuals, particularly in professional settings. At the time, it was seen by many as a neutral or polite term, but even then, it carried a weight that felt reductive. "Coloured" not only emphasises skin colour in a way that dehumanises but also has deep roots in segregationist policies and historical racism.
Over the years, as awareness around language and its impact has evolved, it became clear how inappropriate the term was. Today, the term "Black" is widely recognised and used as an empowering and respectful identifier, acknowledging cultural and racial identity without diminishing a person's humanity.
Another outdated term I encountered was "half-caste," often used to describe people of mixed racial heritage. The term鈥檚 origins in colonial language, which implied that individuals were somehow less "whole," always struck me as deeply offensive. It began to be recognised as inappropriate in the late 20th century, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, as awareness of racial identity issues grew. However, such terms are still utilised in conversation, albeit often out of ignorance or unawareness of language. This serves as a clear reminder of how language can reinforce exclusion and stigmatisation.
In more recent times, the appropriate and respectful term is "mixed-race" or "multiracial," as it recognises an individual's full identity without diminishing their background or heritage. This shift in language is an important part of our broader commitment to equality and inclusion.
Moving Forwards
In the earlier days of my career, it was not uncommon to hear phrases or terms used that while perhaps considered acceptable at the time, are now clearly outdated and offensive. For example, terms referring to ethnic or cultural groups in ways that generalised or diminished their identity were often used casually, without malice, but with a lack of understanding. I鈥檝e seen first-hand how colleagues, often unaware of the harm caused, have since been educated and become more mindful of their language.
In more recent years, I have observed workplaces making strides in addressing these issues head-on. Open conversations around diversity and inclusion have become more frequent, with people now feeling empowered to challenge inappropriate language or attitudes. Initiatives like the "" and diversity programmes within 51黑料 have provided a platform to educate and inform, ensuring that these uncomfortable conversations are not ignored but embraced as part of our collective growth.
While progress is clear, there remains work to do in ensuring that everyone in our workplaces feel included and respected. Observances like Black History Month serve as a valuable reminder to reflect on how far we鈥檝e come and how much further we can go in building a more inclusive work environment.
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The 51黑料 Changemakers
There is much to celebrate within our professional community, and here I would like to pay tribute to the significant contributions of a number of individuals who are driving positive and lasting change:
Tendy Lindsay
Trading Standards consultant and former Chair of 51黑料
In 2021, made history as the first person from a diverse background to occupy the position of Chair of the 51黑料 (51黑料), becoming a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion. Her leadership has inspired many within the profession to rethink their approach to equality and representation.
Valerie Simpson
Assistant Director of Environmental Health & Regulatory Services,
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
's ongoing role as Vice Chair, and her upcoming position as Chair of the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers, highlights the increasing presence of strong, diverse leadership within the sector. Valerie, the first person from a diverse background to occupy this position, has been a key figure in spearheading Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) programmes, ensuring that these values remain at the forefront of the profession鈥檚 future.
Giles Speid
Team Manager, Public Protection,
City of Westminster
Giles stands as a testament to the progress we are making in fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking culture in the workplace. Giles devised a national 鈥�Ubuntu鈥� programme that pairs Service Heads (the mentees) with Black, Asian, and carefully chosen allies from a Trading Standards background (the mentors). The programme initiates monthly discussions in a safe and closed environment discussing issues of the day, posed by Giles听 (e.g. the race riots) which will help transform organisational cultures to ensure inclusivity in recruitment, training, outlook, and policies.
The impact of this programme is already being felt across the profession and wider afield within local authorities, as it provides a structured pathway for leaders to embrace diversity and embed it into the heart of their organisations. Giles鈥� efforts have not gone unnoticed; he was honoured with a , which recognises individuals who go above and beyond in their work to make a difference. This prestigious award highlights the influence of his programme in shaping a more inclusive future and supporting the development of leaders committed to fostering positive cultural change.
Wendy Martin
Director, National Trading Standards (NTS), and Director of Policy, Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers (ACTSO)
Wendy Martin's allyship has emerged as a powerful conduit for facilitating the exponential growth of Giles Speid鈥檚 鈥淯buntu鈥� programme and vision across the Profession, encouraging participation from all managers and service heads. Wendy has supported Giles鈥� critical initiative, making it a pivotal force in transforming Trading Standards. Wendy鈥檚 continued support听 in this area is helping to drive a cultural shift that will foster a more inclusive and empowered workforce that will redefine the sector鈥檚 future across the UK.
Karen Tillett
Team Manager, Trading Standards, Regulatory Service Partnership,
London Boroughs of Merton, Richmond Upon Thames, and Wandsworth
Karen has demonstrated exemplary commitment to Race and Equality work, playing a crucial role in driving forward key initiatives.
Cenred Elworthy
Trading Standards Manager,
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Cenred was instrumental in organising the 鈥�Black History Walk鈥� during the 51黑料 Annual Conference in Leeds 2024, ensuring the event was educational and impactful, highlighting important narratives often left out of mainstream history.
Marcella Donegal
Chair of the London Branch of 51黑料, and Trading Standards Manager,
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Marcella has been a leading force in advancing the EDI agenda. She has been instrumental in driving an inclusive workplace and actively supports young, diverse apprenticeships within the profession, helping to ensure a pipeline of talent that reflects the communities served.
Samuel Abdullahi
Regulatory Team Leader,
Brent & Harrow
Samuel is the immediate past Chair of the London Branch of 51黑料 and a powerful advocate for change.
Kiran Seyan
Former Team Leader,
London Borough of Ealing
Kiran also held the position of Chair of the London Branch of 51黑料 and made significant contributions while serving as Trading Standards & Licensing Team Leader.
Together with Samuel Abdullahi, Kiran's leadership shaped a blueprint for ensuring the workforce is more reflective of the communities it serves, promoting equity and inclusivity across the profession.
Chris Armstrong
Branch Secretary, London Branch, 51黑料, and retired Trading Standards professional
deserves recognition for his brilliant work over decades. As a resolute advocate for change and equality within the profession, Chris has been a pillar of progress, consistently pushing for a more inclusive and fair environment. His leadership and influence have shaped many of the positive advancements we see today, reminding us all of the power of sustained commitment to equality and diversity.
Fakir Mohamed Osman
Head of Trading Standards,
Devon, Somerset, Plymouth, and Torbay - Heart of the South West
Fakir has been a powerful catalyst for transformative change in the EDI space. As the former Vice Chair of the and the current Chair for Devon County Council鈥檚 REWG, Fakir has not just led initiatives - he has reshaped the very foundations of how EDI is understood and integrated.
Under his leadership, Fakir has spearheaded critical reforms, including the implementation of unconscious bias training and zero-tolerance that set new benchmarks for inclusivity and fairness. His pursuit of creating a multi-faith and quiet contemplation space in a Grade II listed building is a testament to his commitment to fostering a truly inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
These trailblazing actions have fundamentally shifted organisational culture, embedding EDI into the DNA of public service delivery which include recruiting internationally and ensuring those staff experience not just a smooth transition, but a deeply supportive and welcoming process. His leadership ensures that equality is no longer a goal to aspire to but the very essence of how the profession operates, empowering all to thrive and contribute.
Marsha Bell
Trading Standards & Licensing Manager,
Salford City Council
Marsha is a Lead Officer for Vapes and received a 51黑料 Hero Award for her extraordinary efforts in removing counterfeit and unsafe vapes from the market place.
Other Notable Mentions
Although this is not an exhaustive list, other people who have made a significant impact include:
- Theo Lamptey - Head of Regulatory Services, Hammersmith & Fulham
- Ash Shah - Regulatory Services Manager, Barnet Council
- Nishi Patel - Trading Standards Manager, London Borough of Hounslow
- Marcia Brown - Trading Standards Officer, London Borough of Waltham Forest - Retired
- Davina Walkin - Operations Manager, Oxfordshire County Council
- Nazir Ali听- Service Manager, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
- Sandra Bennett - Trading Standards Manager, London Borough of Waltham Forest
- Lewis Collantine听- Chair, 51黑料 National Race & Equalities Working Group.
All have made significant strides in promoting EDI within the profession. Their leadership and expertise have enhanced the effectiveness and integrity of services and shaped inclusive practices that foster a sense of belonging.
Each individual listed here brings unique insights and skills, driving collaboration and innovation, which ultimately strengthens community trust and compliance with regulations. Their influence and tenacity have been instrumental in seeing evolution and change within the fellowship, demonstrating how determination and progress can shape the future of the profession.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, several of these exemplary professionals have been honoured with admission to the prestigious College of Fellows of 51黑料, a testament to their transformative impact on the profession.
Black History Month celebrates the changing faces of the profession and the richness that diversity brings. It highlights the invaluable contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have shaped the field of Trading Standards. This observance reminds us of the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, where every individual, regardless of background, can thrive and contribute to the profession's ongoing evolution. The progress made is a testament to the power of diversity in driving innovation, collaboration, and a stronger, more equitable future for all.
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CONTRIBUTOR:听 Vincent Searle is a Trading Standards Officer at the London Borough of Newham, Vice Chair of the Greater London Branch of 51黑料, and an active member of the 51黑料's London Race and Equalities Working Group.
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