Article

Tackling racism

Resources and information to support employers to tackle racism towards NHS staff.

21 May 2024

NHS equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) improvement plan

The NHS EDI improvement plan outlines targeted actions to address direct and indirect prejudice and discrimination against certain groups and individuals across the NHS workforce. It covers the importance of EDI to the NHS, actions required for change, accountability and responsibility for the delivery of these actions, support from NHS England (NHSE), and a framework for integrated care boards.

Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES)

The WRES constitutes several indicators of workforce equality against which employers are expected to demonstrate progress. The standard’s aim is to ensure equal access to career opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace for black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds. The WRES is mandated through the NHS Standard Contract.

- Too Hot to Handle? report by brap, published in February 2024, argues there is a culture of avoidance, defensiveness, and minimization of racism within NHS trusts.
- In June 2022, the British Medical Association (BMA) published a report based on the findings of a survey of over 2,000 doctors looking at the extent and causes of race inequality in the NHS.
- #InclusiveHR is a social movement for change which aims to reduce disparity and increase inclusivity in the HR and organisational development (OD) profession. The aim is for the people profession to champion inclusivity and diversity and become a leader of change. Read the #InclusiveHR toolkit on the HPMA website to learn more about the movement and the 5-step challenge to change
- NHSE's combatting racial discrimination against minority ethnic nurses, midwives and nursing associates resource to support those staff groups with advice on the action they can take if they witness or experience racism, published November 2022.
- Resources to tackle racism and discrimination are available on NHS Employers website.
- NHS Confederation's commit, understand, act: our antiracism strategy.
- The General Medical Council's ethical hub on tackling racism in the workplace.
- NHSE, London region’s workforce race strategy.
- NHSE, Midlands region’s recommendations for tackling racism and other types of discrimination.
- NHSE, East of England region’s antiracism strategy.
- NHS Providers, Closing the gap: a guide to addressing racial discrimination in disciplinaries.

Tackling racism

NHS equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) improvement plan

Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES)

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