Bridging the Gap Between Diversity Policy and Lived Experience in Cheltenham: A Report by Summer Hicks

At Lives of Colour, we believe that true inclusion only happens when community policies genuinely reflect the day-to-day realities of ethnically diverse individuals. Recently, we hosted a brilliant placement student, Summer Hicks, who is a second year studying Religion, Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Gloucestershire. She conducted an in-depth research project examining how local diversity policies translate into practice.

Summer's research looks closely at Cheltenham Borough Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategies. Below, we share the key takeaways from their findings and explore what it means for the Gloucestershire community.

Here is a summary of Summer’s findings

1. The Challenge: "Tick-Box" Exercises vs. Real Impact

The research highlights that public authorities are legally mandated by the Public Sector Equality Duty (Equality Act 2010) to eliminate discrimination and advance equal opportunities. Local councils utilise tools like Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) to spot systemic bias.

However, the report notes a significant systemic risk: these assessments are frequently completed too late in the decision-making process. When this happens, they risk becoming a bureaucratic "tick-box" exercise rather than a meaningful tool. Crucially, this late-stage completion means the actual lived experiences of those with protected characteristics are routinely overlooked and rarely engaged with, which can inadvertently reinforce institutional biases. 

“Whilst equality impact assessments and local councils demonstrate proactive intentions to create an equal and just society, Equality Impact Assessments only work effectively when they are not treated as another routine check to complete. Councils must ensure that these assessments are meaningfully reflected upon in order to remain effective.”

2. The Data: Who is actually being heard?

A major focus of the study was analysing who participates in local government feedback channels.

• The Demographic Reality: According to the Equalities Fact Sheet 2025, 83.3% of Cheltenham’s population is White British.

• The Consultation Gap: Summer analysed a recent community impact assessment from the council and found that the vast majority of respondents were white, middle-aged, and from affluent areas.

• The Barrier: Communities that have historically experienced structural racism are often sceptical of institutional processes and may feel their input won't spark actual change.

This data underscores that local authorities cannot simply rely on passive consultation methods. They must actively go out and build trust with underrepresented communities.

3. Moving Toward True Equity

Positively, Cheltenham Borough Council’s 2026 EDI policy explicitly recognises that "treating everyone the same" is not enough. They are actively trying to shift toward equity-giving extra support where it is actually needed - by introducing advocacy groups like 'Equitable Futures' to advise on inclusion.

Yet, as Summer concludes, true progress isn't measured by a council's positive intentions or its progressive policies on paper. It is measured by whether ethnically diverse communities experience lasting, tangible change in their daily lives.

“Ultimately Cheltenham Borough Council has demonstrated development within their diversity and inclusion policies and their attempts towards ensuring Cheltenham is a place that fosters equality, diversity and inclusion. This is represented through their equality impact assessments, EDI advocacy groups and reaching out to seldom heard groups. This presents how they have gone beyond their legal obligations, however even so this report has revealed that there still remains a significant gap between what local authorities intend and how that is evaluated in practice and seeking out more ways to encompass the lived experiences in policymaking.”

“Local authorities and institutions must continue to develop approaches that go beyond their legal obligations and prioritise genuine representation and long-term commitment and trust with ethnically diverse communities. Diversity and Inclusion strategies only become truly effective once they act upon their intentions and ethnically diverse communities can experience these lasting changes.”

How Grassroots Organisations Bridge the Gap

This research beautifully highlights exactly why organisations like Lives of Colour are so vital. Where institutions sometimes struggle to connect, grassroots groups create safe, culturally specific spaces -such as our Mothers of Colour group - to cultivate shared experiences, provide real support, and elevate the authentic lived experiences of Gloucestershire residents to the forefront.

Read the Full Report

Summer's Placement Research.pdf

Download PDF • 375KB

To look at the full academic analysis, including references to structural racism theories and historical UK governance frameworks, download the complete student paper below.