Addressing workplace equality in the NHS

Since 2015, NHS organisations across the UK have been mandated to showcase their commitment to addressing racial equality issues within various staffing aspects through the implementation of the Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES). Dive into the insights provided in the most recent report.

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS Employers

The recently published WRES 2022 Data Analysis Report for NHS trusts, sheds light on the experiences of black and minority ethnic (BME) individuals working within the NHS. This report provides a comprehensive overview, analysing data across all nine WRES indicators and, wherever possible, drawing comparisons with data from preceding years.

Key findings from the report reveal a positive uptick of 27,500 additional BME staff joining the NHS compared to the previous year. However, a concerning trend emerges, indicating a rise in the percentage of BME staff facing harassment, bullying, and abuse from patients, relatives, and the public. This increase follows a promising decrease observed in the preceding year. Moreover, a mere 44.4% of BME NHS staff believe their trust offers equal opportunities for career progression or promotion, underscoring the substantial ground still to be covered in achieving genuine workplace equality for BME staff.

Striving for change: BME leadership network

Established by the NHS Confederation in March 2019, the BME Leadership Network plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of black and minority ethnic (BME) leaders in England. The network’s primary focus is to support health and care organisations in meeting the needs of diverse communities. Operating on a quarterly basis, the network pursues key objectives:

• Improve understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, underscoring the benefits for delivering enhanced care.
• Enhance and sustain the presence of BME leaders within the NHS.
• Showcase the diverse array of BME leaders contributing innovative solutions across the health and care system.

NHS Race and Health Observatory: Driving transformational change

The NHS Race and Health Observatory, an independent expert body established by the NHS, takes a proactive stance in investigating and addressing health inequalities experienced by black and minority ethnic communities in England. This observatory operates as a catalyst for change, leveraging actionable insights to provide evidence-based health policy recommendations and foster long-term transformative shifts across health and care.

As the NHS grapples with the challenges and opportunities outlined in the WRES 2022 report, practice managers play a crucial role in translating these findings into actionable steps within healthcare settings. By embracing the insights provided by the BME Leadership Network and working in tandem with the NHS Race and Health Observatory, practice managers can actively contribute to the ongoing journey towards genuine workplace equality within the NHS.