NHS Leaders Meet to Tackle Racism and Workplace Inequalities

More than 50 NHS leaders have come together at the University of Huddersfield to examine how racism and other workplace inequalities can be tackled across health services in Yorkshire and the North East.

The conference was held in partnership with NHS England’s North East and Yorkshire Nursing Directorate and brought NHS leaders and members of the region’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Special Advisory Group together at the university’s National Health Innovation Campus.

Discussions focused on the relationship between an inclusive NHS workforce and patient safety, including evidence about how anti-racist approaches can contribute to better experiences and outcomes. Delegates also considered practical actions organisations can take locally and across the wider health system.

The University of Huddersfield has previously carried out research into the recruitment and retention of overseas nurses and their experiences working within the NHS. Researchers from the university led the research element of the conference, with information gathered during discussions now due to be analysed.

The findings will be used to develop recommendations for a regional EDI improvement plan, aligned with national policy and the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard. The aim is to move beyond discussion and identify evidence-based actions that organisations can implement within their own workplaces.

The event comes as the experiences and career opportunities of ethnic minority NHS staff remain under scrutiny. Creating a workforce where people are able to progress, raise concerns and feel included is increasingly being viewed not simply as an employment issue, but as part of creating safer and more effective healthcare for patients.

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