The black and minority ethnic (BME) third sector can play a key role in meeting needs through partnerships with statutory and mainstream third sector organisations. In the United Kingdom the BME sector is disproportionately affected by government reforms, which involve funding programmes and a contract culture that favour large mainstream charities close to government. BME voluntary and community organisations can feel marginalised and exploited by large organisations that do not appreciate their expertise or understand how they work. 

Authors: Mary Tilki, Rose Thompson, Lisa Robinson, Joss Bruce, Eddie Chan, Orin Lewis, Frank Chinegwundoh and Heather Nelson National BME Cancer Alliance, UK