Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has secured bronze level accreditation under the NHS Race Equity Assembly’s Anti-Racist Framework, marking a significant milestone in its work to tackle inequalities in healthcare and workforce experience.
The accreditation, awarded by the NHS Race Equity Assembly (formerly the NHS North West Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Assembly), reflects the Trust’s sustained commitment to embedding race equity across both patient care and organisational culture.
To achieve bronze status, the Trust was required to evidence measurable, sustainable, and impactful improvements in tackling racism, discrimination, and health inequalities. This included:
- Positioning anti-racism as a core organisational priority
- Setting goals that go beyond statutory and NHS compliance
- Delivering tangible reductions in health inequalities
- Promoting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination
- Showcasing evidence of meaningful and effective action
Assessors highlighted several areas of strength within the Trust’s approach, including:
- A network of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) champions
- Clear Chief Executive-level accountability
- EDI objectives embedded across the Board and Executive Team
- Robust governance structures and active staff network groups
- A clear organisational ambition to advance anti-racism
In addition, the Trust has sustained a reciprocal mentoring programme for four consecutive years, alongside targeted training covering microaggressions, allyship and anti-racism, strengthening workforce awareness and engagement.
A standout initiative involved a targeted anti-racism and health inequalities pilot delivered in partnership with Foundry Primary Care Network in Page Hall – one of Sheffield’s most diverse inner-city areas.
The results were striking:
58 out of 59 patients who had previously not attended hospital appointments successfully engaged with care, demonstrating how tailored approaches can drive access and improve outcomes in underserved communities.
The Trust is also playing a wider leadership role across the region, as an active member of the Race Equality Partnership for Sheffield (REPS) and the South Yorkshire Anti-Racism Assembly. These collaborations aim to create system-wide progress towards a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape.
Notably, the accreditation programme has recently been expanded beyond the North West, opening opportunities for organisations nationwide to benchmark and accelerate their anti-racism efforts.
Kirsten Major, Chief Executive at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We’re really proud to have achieved this recognition, which is a testament to the work we are doing to progress race equality and equity for both our patients and our staff. A particular thank you to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members, Staff Network, and champions whose tireless work has contributed to this recognition. We know we have further work to do but remain committed to achieving this ambition.”
Image credit: iStock
