A new guide to help health service trusts tackle racial discrimination in disciplinary procedures and promote inclusivity has been launched by NHS Providers.
The report, which has been published in collaboration with specialist healthcare law firm Hempsons, features case studies from several NHS trusts, including:
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
The guide has been developed to show health leaders actionable insights and practical interventions, ultimately giving them a roadmap to tackle racial discrimination and improve the experience for staff from diverse backgrounds.
Some of the most common themes across the report are ensuring staff learn from mistakes and see them as opportunities for growth, deploying anti-racism training, and the power of data analysis to identify inequalities.
"We know that inclusive cultures within the NHS are critically important for staff wellbeing and high-quality care.”
Commitment from leadership is also a prominent fixture in the report – similar to another NHS Providers report which recently showcased best practice for improving staff wellbeing.
Seeking out support from trusts which have already made great progress is also highlighted, alongside the need to have ‘uncomfortable’ conversations when necessary and the importance of transparent communication.
NHS Providers’ deputy chief executive, Saffron Cordery, said: "Trust leaders remain committed to addressing systemic race inequality within the NHS and acting on clear evidence of race discrimination in disciplinary procedures.”
"We hope this new guide will serve as a valuable resource for trust leaders in their ongoing efforts to address the disciplinary gap.”
She continued: “By providing practical guidance and insights, it aims to support the transformative change required for a more inclusive healthcare workforce and ultimately, better patient care.”
To read the full report, click here.
Image credit: iStock
