Ethnic and racial differences are evident in relation to access, experience and outcome in areas that span perinatal health to end of life care, with these disparities being set against higher prevalence of numerous health conditions, including specific cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental ill health in ethnic minority populations across our country.
At the same time, we also know that ethnic minority healthcare staff do not always get the best experience in the workplace. One in every five members of the NHS workforce is from an ethnic minority background, yet only 11% of boards hold ethnic minority representation. Ethnic minority staff were more likely to enter formal disciplinary procedures, and around 15% of ethnic minority staff have reported experience of discrimination at work in the past 12 months.
This award recognises initiatives which either:
- identify and tackle ethnic health inequalities for patients and communities; OR
- promote race equality and inclusion within the workplace
A wide variety of ideas have been adopted to tackle ethnic health inequalities and to drive the race equality and inclusion agenda.
- Policies and strategies to identify and close the gaps in inequalities between ethnic minority groups and the majority population
- Culturally sensitive interventions to improve access, experience and outcomes within specific areas, specialism or care pathways
- Reverse mentoring where white and ethnic minority staff seek to learn from each other’s lived experience within the workplace and beyond
- Reviewing and revising policies and practices within the workplace to help promote inclusivity and equity for all
Tackling ethnic health inequalities is a critical step to ensuring everyone in society can live full and healthy lives regardless of their background. We also know that those NHS organisations which embrace the diversity of their workforce are more likely achieve higher levels of staff satisfaction, a positive working culture, improved patient outcomes and organisational efficiency.
Judges are looking for initiatives which can show tangible results in progress in areas such as: identification and tackling ethnic health inequalities for patients and communities; strategic and practical approaches towards the reduction of harassment and bullying, disciplinary experiences for ethnic minority healthcare staff; clear and evidenced career progression.
Eligibility
All NHS organisations (including partnerships and systems), General Practice and primary care organisations.