Equality, diversity and inclusion

Our commitment to anti-racism

Liverpool is proud of being a welcoming city that celebrates its diverse communities. We want it to be a more inclusive and equal city and are continually striving to tackle inequalities, whilst promoting and celebrating the city’s distinct identities and our many communities.

Liverpool has a long history of multiculturalism and we recognise the prominent historic role that the city had in the transatlantic trade of enslaved people which impacted on millions of lives and continues to leave a legacy in our communities.
 
The city is home to Europe's oldest Chinese community, Britain's oldest Black community, the first mosque to be built in the UK and one of the oldest Jewish communities in Britain. It has welcomed successive waves of immigration through its port from Ireland, the Middle East and Mediterranean and more recently, from newer communities in Eastern and Central Europe. 
 
We recognise that racism is a significant challenge that continues to have profound impacts on our city and in our communities and that it is no longer enough for us to tackle inequalities, we must be actively anti-racist.

Our priorities

Our priorities are to:

  • Display anti-racist leadership by taking a zero-tolerance approach to racism.
  • Take active steps so that our leadership more reflects Liverpool’s racial diversity, demonstrates accountability, and delivers visible, measurable action.
  • Foster belonging and honour Liverpool’s history.
  • Counter misinformation and challenge racial misinformation in real time.
  • Ensure our organisation is racially literate and promote racial-literacy across the city.
  • Ensure our recruitment and progression processes are fair and transparent.
  • Improve opportunities for racially diverse businesses and community organisations.
  • Provide services that are safe, inclusive and culturally competent.

To achieve these priorities, we have developed an anti-racism action plan.  Our action plan sets out how we will tackle racism in all its forms, including Anti-Blackness, Antisemitism, Anti-Gypsy Roma sentiment, Islamophobia, Anti-Muslim hate and Sinophobia.

  • Liverpool City Council's Anti-Racism Strategy and Action Plan 2025

    Download this document: Liverpool City Council's Anti-Racism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 (PDF: 4.9 MB)

    This strategy and action plan set out how we will tackle racism in all its forms, including Antisemitism, anti-Gypsy Roma sentiment, Islamophobia, and Sinophobia. We will embed anti-racism into our culture, policies, and performance measures, and our leaders will be vocal and accountable in challenging and responding to racism wherever it arises.

    First published: 24/11/2025

Liverpool’s anti-racism strategy

In our leadership role, we have worked with communities and key organisations, through the Liverpool Strategic Partnership, to develop a city-wide anti-racism strategy for Liverpool. This sets out our collective ambition to deliver shared outcomes:

  • Anti-racist leadership and shared accountability
  • Inclusive economic empowerment and equitable access to opportunity
  • Fostering belonging and honouring our diverse histories
  • Countering disinformation, misinformation, promoting race literacy and communications
  • Fair, safe, inclusive and anti-racist community services

This is Liverpool anti-racism campaign

We have launched an anti-racism campaign This is Liverpool. It brings together voices from across our communities, schools, football clubs, universities, partners and civic leaders to send one clear message: Liverpool stands united against racism.

The campaign highlights the values that define our city; fairness, welcome, dignity and solidarity while directly challenging the myths and misinformation that can create fear and divide communities. Show your support and find out more about This is Liverpool (Liverpool Express).

Next steps

Delivery will be overseen through individual organisation governance frameworks. An Anti-Racism Community Oversight Group will be established to ensure accountability, transparency and continued community voice. The Group will meet regularly to provide external, independent support and challenge.

This page will be updated with progress. For more information, please contact corporate.equalities@liverpool.gov.uk.