What's it like being a member of staff from an ethnic minority background in the NHS?

Equality and diversity

Part of Inequalities and inclusion in NHS providers

Posted:Tuesday 14 July 2020

This short animation explores people's experiences of racism and discrimination and may be distressing or triggering. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised, we’ve put together a list of organisations that can offer advice, information and support.

We spoke to 12 members of staff from ethnic minority backgrounds about their experiences working in the NHS. This short animation outlines some of those experiences, from being bypassed for career development opportunities to the impact of micro-aggressions in the workplace.

Want to find out more?

Read our feature-length article to explore these stories further.
Learn how three NHS provider organisations are working to tackle workforce race inequalities in our report

About this animation

Thank you to the people who were interviewed for this short animation and who generously shared their experiences with us.

With thanks to Nadia Akingbule for creating the illustrations and to Jolt for animating these stories and bringing these experiences to life.

Related content

Workforce race inequalities and inclusion in NHS providers

Workforce race inequalities and inclusion in NHS providers

Despite having a diverse workforce, ethnic minority staff in the NHS continue to experience worse levels of bullying and a lack of opportunities for career progression. This report looks at how three NHS providers are working to better support staff and address these inequalities.

An illustration of a group of NHS staff from ethnic minority backgrounds.

'A long way to go': ethnic minority NHS staff share their stories

What is it like being a member of staff from an ethnic minority background in the NHS? We spoke to 12 people about their experiences.

Support if you have experienced racism or discrimination

If you have experienced racism or discrimination in your workplace, here is a list of organisations that can offer advice, information and support.

Time to speak up: some necessary words about racism

It’s time to speak up and challenge the individuals and cultures that perpetuate racism and racial injustice. Tracie Jolliff calls for collective action to support change.

A hopeful moment? Addressing race inequalities in the NHS workforce

The historical issues of institutional racism in the NHS have been brought sharply into focus by the Covid-19 pandemic and the recharged Black Lives Matter movement. Shilpa Ross outlines findings from our research into inequalities in the NHS and calls for action and allyship from white colleagues.

Inclusive leadership: how ready are we to learn?

Tracie Jolliff, Director of Inclusion at the NHS Leadership Academy, explains how inclusive leadership and cultures require personal dedication to change, as well as support and oversight at an organisational level.

Addressing race inequalities in the NHS needs engagement, commitment and a plan

As the Fund prepares to publish its report on workforce race inequalities and inclusion, Richard Murray reflects on the work ahead for organisations tackling deep-rooted, long-standing inequalities.

Comments

Add your comment

You may also be interested in

The health of people from ethnic minority groups in England

The health of people from ethnic minority groups in England

This long read examines ethnic differences in health outcomes, highlighting the variation across ethnic groups and health conditions, and considers what’s needed to reduce health inequalities.

Inclusive language in health and care: why the words we use matter

Inclusive language has an important role to play in health and care, particularly when it comes to addressing health inequalities. Emily Lennon reflects on the impact of language on underrepresented groups, and explains why it’s more than just using ‘correct’ terminology.

'Unless you're counted, you don't count': what can be done to tackle LGBTQ+ health inequalities?

‘If you're not counted, you don’t count’: what can be done to tackle LGBTQ+ health inequalities?

Three years on from the Government’s LGBT action plan, Helen McKenna sat down with Dr Michael Brady and Michelle Ross to explore the health inequalities LGBTQ+ people face and what needs to happen to make sure health services are inclusive.

LGBT+ equality at the Fund

Find out more about the work currently underway to support our ambition to be an LGBT+ inclusive organisation.