London is described as a rich and vibrant capital city, touching on many cultures, many faiths, being an environment in which difference in its widest sense is embraced and acknowledged. However, the question we need to ask is, whether or not that is the case?

	Do we construct services to meet the needs of all service users?
	Are workers trained appropriately re: how they engage peoples of difference?
	How well do we adhere to legislation, which directs us re: appropriate practice regarding the appropriate delivery of services?
	Is diversity and equalities an ‘add on', a box ticking exercise?

If the above is the case what quality of service are we offering people of difference?

The legislation which supports the need for diversity and equality in the delivery of services, and to encouraged entrenched cultures with in organizations to change and evolve are:

	Race Relations Acts 1976 and the Race Relations Code of Practice
	Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Code of Practice on the duty to promote Race Equality
	Sex Discrimination Acts 1975 and 1986
	Disability Discrimination Act 1995
	Human Rights Act 1998
	Children's Act 1989
	EU Employment Directive (2002)

Janus Solutions shares the belief that we should have Diversity and Equalities as high agenda items, which recognize that regions, such as London , have a vast array of individuals who operate outside of existing frameworks. For some individuals in some areas they are becoming the majority, yet how we work with them, how our services are configured, how we prioritize their needs is essentially poor to very poor. This is manifested within:

	The drugs field
	Social Services
	Education
	Mental Health
	Criminal Justice System

In the words of Professor Gus John (Mental Health and Underachievement), who makes a striking statement re: school exclusion and social exclusion.

Social exclusion is a process. It is a dynamic process. It is the systematic and structural deprivation of the individuals opportunity to participate in society and, consequently, a denial of dignity, self esteem and self worth.

Janus Solutions recognises that it is the responsibility for ‘us' all to recognise that with difference there are wonderful learning opportunities, there are new experiences, there are new friends and ways of viewing the world. However, there is also:

	Mis-communication
	Intolerance
	A lack of responsivity
	Frustration
	The unknown
	Fear
	Resentment
	Denial
	Shock

Janus Solutions believes that we should meet this head on, talk openly, and place ‘political correctness' to the side for a brief moment, allowing us the opportunity to move forward