Ipswich & Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE) was founded in 1977 as Ipswich Committee for Community Relations, which was renamed Ipswich & District Community Relations Council in 1982. It became Ipswich & Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE) in 1987.

ISCRE is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee (without shares), working under the Race Relations Act, 1976 (Amendment 2000) Regulations 2003, with two main aims:

1) To work towards the elimination of racial discrimination; and
2) To promote equality of opportunity, and good relations, between persons of different racial groups in the county of Suffolk.

ISCRE provides information, advice and support of a non-financial nature to individuals and families who have experienced, or are experiencing, racial discrimination/harassment or race-related difficulties in circumstances where such information, advice and support are not readily available from other local agencies. We also provide information, advice and training on equality and diversity to employers and service providers.

Our areas of operation are:

· Criminal Justice System
· Education
· Employment
· Health
· Housing
· Immigration and Nationality
· Social Care, etc.

Specific examples of our advice, support and assistance to individuals and families may take the form of investigating a complaint of racial discrimination in employment or in service delivery. We investigate complaints in education, housing, social care, health, criminal justice system, etc.

We provide free advice and casework on employment discrimination cases. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are now unable to offer representation at Employment Tribunal hearings.

Examples of our advice, support and assistance to organisations are in the form of race equality/race awareness or equal opportunities and diversity training, assistance with developing and implementing equal opportunities policies and strategies, etc. We also work in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations.

We work closely with local authorities and other public bodies in achieving our objectives. Our aim is to influence national, regional and local policies on the needs of black and minority ethnic people and to make organisations respond positively to equality and diversity issues in employment and service delivery.

We also have a Law Advice Centre (LAC) which gives free legal advice to members of the public twice a month, and a Translation and Interpreting Provider (TIP)  http://www.translation-tip.org.uk which provides translation and interpreting services in foreign languages for a fee.

In areas where we are unable to offer advice or support, we refer clients to other agencies as appropriate. Our services are open to members of the public and not only to visible minorities.

For more information, please contact:

ISCRE                               Tel: 01473 408111, Fax: 01473 400084
Law Advice Centre              Tel: 01473 408111, Fax: 01473 400084
TIP                                    Tel: 01473 400082, Fax: 01473 400083

All at: 46A St Matthew’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 3EP
e-mail: office@iscre.org.uk