If you are interested in reading more about the issues surrounding racism, then please see the links below.
These are just some of the many organisations who are working to tackle racial inequity both within the NHS and wider society.
Resources
NHS Race and Health Observatory
The NHS Race and Health Observatory is an independent body established to examine and address health inequalities experienced by ethnic minority communities in the United Kingdom. Its primary functions and activities include:
Research and Evidence Gathering
- Conducting research to understand the root causes of health disparities among ethnic minorities.
- Collecting data and evidence to identify patterns and trends in healthcare outcomes.
Policy Development and Advocacy
- Developing evidence-based policy recommendations to tackle health inequalities.
- Working with government bodies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to influence policy and practice.
Public Engagement and Awareness
- Raising awareness about the health challenges faced by ethnic minorities.
- Engaging with communities to ensure their voices are heard in health-related discussions and policy-making processes.
Collaboration and Partnership
- Partnering with academic institutions, healthcare organisations, and community groups to promote equitable health care.
- Facilitating collaboration among various sectors to address social determinants of health.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitoring the implementation and impact of policies aimed at reducing health disparities.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and suggesting improvements.
Training and Capacity Building
- Providing training and resources to healthcare professionals to improve cultural competence and sensitivity.
- Building capacity within the NHS to address racial health inequalities effectively.
The NHS Race and Health Observatory aims to create a healthcare system that is fair, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all communities, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare regardless of their ethnic background.
The King’s Fund
The King’s Fund is an independent charitable organisation based in the United Kingdom that focuses on improving health and care in England. Its main activities include:
Research and Analysis
- Conducting comprehensive research on various aspects of health and social care.
- Publishing reports, briefings, and analysis on healthcare policies, system performance, and emerging health issues.
Policy and Advocacy
- Developing evidence-based policy recommendations to inform and influence health and social care policy.
- Engaging with policymakers, practitioners, and the public to advocate for improvements in health and care services.
Leadership Development
- Offering leadership and development programs for health and social care professionals.
- Providing training, coaching, and support to help leaders and managers improve their skills and drive change within their organisations.
Health and Care System Improvement
- Supporting efforts to improve the quality of health and care services through practical guidance and resources.
- Working with healthcare providers and commissioners to implement best practices and innovative solutions.
Events and Networking
- Organising conferences, seminars, and workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among healthcare professionals and stakeholders.
- Hosting events that bring together experts and leaders to discuss key issues and share insights.
Information and Resources
- Providing a wide range of resources, including publications, case studies, and toolkits, to support informed decision-making in health and care.
- Maintaining a comprehensive website with access to research findings, blogs, and multimedia content.
The King’s Fund aims to improve health and care for all by ensuring that services are effective, efficient, and equitable. It seeks to influence policy, support health and care leaders, and promote evidence-based improvements in the healthcare system.
Marmot Review
The Health Foundation’s Marmot Review is a comprehensive examination of health inequalities in the UK, building on the original 2010 Marmot Review led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot. This subsequent review, titled “Health Equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years On,” was published in 2020. Here is an overview of its key aspects and findings:
Objectives
The primary objectives of the Marmot Review 10 Years On were to:
- Assess the progress made since the original 2010 Marmot Review.
- Analyse the current state of health inequalities in England.
- Provide updated recommendations to reduce health disparities.
Key Findings
Stalled Life Expectancy
- Life expectancy improvements had stalled, and in some regions, life expectancy had declined.
- The gap in life expectancy between the richest and poorest areas had widened.
Health Inequalities
- Health inequalities had increased, particularly affecting disadvantaged communities.
- Children born in the most deprived areas were more likely to have poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy.
Social Determinants of Health
- Persistent and worsening inequalities in the social determinants of health, including education, employment, housing, and income, were highlighted.
- Cuts to public spending and austerity measures were linked to worsening health outcomes.
Recommendations
The review reinforced the original six policy objectives from the 2010 Marmot Review, emphasising the need for renewed and intensified efforts:
1.Give every child the best start in life:
- Increase investment in early years and support for families.
2. Enable all children, young people, and adults to maximize their capabilities and have control over their lives:
- Improve educational attainment and reduce educational inequalities.
3. Create fair employment and good work for all:
- Enhance job security, workplace conditions, and access to employment opportunities.
4. Ensure a healthy standard of living for all:
- Implement policies to reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
5. Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities:
- Invest in local communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
6. Strengthen the role and impact of ill-health prevention:
- Increase funding for public health and preventive measures.
Impact
The Health Foundation’s Marmot Review 10 Years On has been influential in:
- Highlighting the urgent need to address health inequalities in England.
- Shaping public health policy and discussions.
- Providing a framework for local and national policymakers to act on health disparities.
The review underscores that addressing health inequalities requires a concerted effort across multiple sectors and levels of government, focusing on the broader social determinants of health.
The Racial Justice Network
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a UK-based organization dedicated to addressing racial inequalities and promoting social justice. Its mission is to challenge systemic racism and support marginalised communities through various forms of advocacy, education, and activism. Here is an overview of the Racial Justice Network’s primary activities and focus areas:
Key Activities
1. Advocacy and Campaigning
- Engaging in advocacy to influence public policy and bring about systemic change.
- Campaigning on issues such as racial justice, migrant rights, and anti-racism.
2. Community Support and Empowerment
- Providing support and resources to communities affected by racial injustice.
- Empowering individuals and groups through capacity-building initiatives and leadership development.
3. Education and Awareness
- Offering educational programmes, workshops, and training sessions to raise awareness about racism and its impacts.
- Developing resources and materials to educate the public and stakeholders about racial justice issues.
4. Research and Documentation
- Conducting research to document and analyse the experiences of racially marginalized communities.
- Publishing reports and briefings to inform policy and practice.
5. Partnerships and Collaboration
- Working with other organisations, networks, and coalitions to amplify efforts towards racial justice.
- Collaborating with local, national, and international groups to address interconnected issues of racism and inequality.
6. Campaigns and Projects
- Initiating and supporting various campaigns that address specific issues such as police violence, immigration policies, and healthcare disparities.
- Running projects that aim to support and uplift marginalised communities, such as mental health support initiatives and cultural preservation projects.
Focus Areas
1.Anti-Racism
- Promoting anti-racism through advocacy, education, and direct action.
- Challenging discriminatory practices and advocating for inclusive policies.
2. Migrant and Refugee Rights
- Supporting the rights and welfare of migrants and refugees.
- Addressing issues such as immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation.
3. Criminal Justice Reform
- Advocating for reforms in the criminal justice system to address racial disparities.
- Campaigning against police brutality and racial profiling.
4. Economic Justice
- Addressing economic inequalities that disproportionately affect ethnic minorities.
- Promoting fair employment practices and economic opportunities for marginalised communities.
5. Health Equity
- Highlighting and addressing health disparities faced by ethnic minorities.
- Advocating for equitable access to healthcare and mental health services.
The Racial Justice Network aims to create a more just and equitable society by tackling racism in all its forms and supporting the resilience and agency of marginalised communities. Through its multifaceted approach, the Racial Justice Network works to dismantle systemic barriers and promote a fairer, more inclusive world.
The Runnymede Trust
The Runnymede Trust is a UK-based think tank dedicated to promoting racial equality and tackling racial discrimination through research, policy engagement, and advocacy. Established in 1968, it is one of the leading independent organisations focused on race and ethnicity in the UK. Here is an overview of the Runnymede Trust’s key activities and focus areas:
Key Activities
1.Research and Analysis
- Conducting in-depth research on racial inequalities across various sectors such as education, employment, health, housing, and criminal justice.
- Publishing reports, policy briefs, and articles that provide evidence-based insights and recommendations.
2. Policy Engagement and Advocacy
- Engaging with policymakers, government officials, and other stakeholders to influence public policy and promote racial equality.
- Providing expert advice and evidence to parliamentary committees and other decision-making bodies.
3. Public Education and Awareness
- Raising public awareness about issues related to race and ethnicity through campaigns, events, and media engagement.
- Producing educational materials and resources aimed at informing the public and fostering a deeper understanding of racial justice issues.
4. Community Engagement and Empowerment
- Working directly with ethnic minority communities to support their needs and amplify their voices.
- Developing and supporting grassroots initiatives that address local and national issues of racial inequality.
5. Collaborations and Partnerships
- Collaborating with academic institutions, NGOs, and other organizations to conduct joint research and advocacy projects.
- Building alliances and networks to strengthen the collective effort towards racial equality.
Focus Areas
1.Education
- Investigating disparities in educational attainment and experiences among ethnic minority students.
- Advocating for policies that promote inclusive and equitable educational environments.
2. Employment
- Analysing labour market inequalities and barriers faced by ethnic minority workers.
- Promoting fair employment practices and diversity in the workplace.
3. Health
- Examining health disparities affecting ethnic minority communities.
- Advocating for equitable access to healthcare and addressing social determinants of health.
4. Housing
- Researching issues related to housing discrimination and access to affordable housing for ethnic minorities.
- Campaigning for policies that ensure fair and equal housing opportunities.
5. Criminal Justice
- Studying racial disparities in the criminal justice system, including policing, sentencing, and incarceration.
- Advocating for reforms that address systemic racism within the justice system.
6. Immigration and Citizenship
- Analysing immigration policies and their impact on ethnic minority communities.
- Promoting fair and humane immigration practices and pathways to citizenship.
Impact
The Runnymede Trust has a significant impact on public discourse and policy concerning race and ethnicity in the UK. Its work is widely respected and often cited by policymakers, academics, and advocates working towards racial equality. Through its rigorous research and active advocacy, the Runnymede Trust continues to play a crucial role in challenging racial injustices and promoting a more inclusive society.
Other Resources
West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board – The Race Equality Network
Health and Wellbeing Hub – Leeds GP Confederation
Race Equality Foundation – Race Equality and the Health and Justice workforce
NHS England – NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) 2022 data analysis report for NHS trusts
British Medical Association – Race inequalities and ethnic disparities in healthcare
Reports
There are countless reports highlighting the need to address race equity within healthcare.
Recent examples include the MBRRACE report published in November 2022 which found when looking at maternal deaths, Black women were 3.7 times more likely to die than White women, and Asian women were 1.8 times more likely to die than White women.
The COVID-19 pandemic also brought health and racial inequalities into sharp focus. This is an issue that was highlighted in Public Health England’s report Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME groups. The review found that the death rates due to COVID-19 were higher for those from certain ethnic minority groups. Particularly those from Bangladeshi backgrounds who were discovered to be twice at risk of death.
The points raised by the 2014 report the, Snowy White Peaks of the NHS still stand today as our boardrooms and governing bodies fail to reflect the wider diversity of our communities.
Closer to home results from our recent Leeds Whole General Practice survey showed:
- Only 13.6% of the survey respondents were from an ethnically diverse background- representing 12% of the ethnic minority workforce
- 32 % of those from an ethnic minority background felt unable to make suggestions to improve their team as compared to 18% of their white colleagues.
- Those from an ethnic minority background are 40x more likely to experience ethnic discrimination from managers & colleagues compared to their white counterparts.
- Ethnically diverse staff are 18x more likely to experience discrimination from patients/service user.