Race inequality experienced by our staff, in the interactions between patients and healthcare professionals and by patients using our services is an issue we feel strongly about solving. We take the Workforce Race Equality Standard seriously and our Cultural and Ethnic Minorities Staff Network is doing amazing work.
The Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES)
The WRES was established to improve inclusivity for NHS employees who are from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and make sure that they have equal access to career opportunities and receive fair treatment in the workplace. It is essentially an assessment of race equality in the NHS workforce and requires organisations to report against nine indicators of race equality using workforce indicators, staff survey results and board representation data:
- Percentage of staff in each of the AfC bands
- Relative likelihood of staff being appointed from shortlisting across all posts
- Relative likelihood of staff entering the formal disciplinary process, as measured by entry into a formal disciplinary investigation
- Relative likelihood of staff accessing non-mandatory training and CPD
- Percentage of staff experiencing harassment, bullying or abuse from patients, relatives or the public in the last 12 months.
- Percentage of staff experiencing harassment, bullying or abuse from staff in last 12 months.
- Percentage believing the trust provides equal opportunities for career progression or promotion.
- In the last 12 months have you personally experienced discrimination at work from manager, team leader or other colleagues.
- Percentage difference between the organisation’s Board membership and its overall workforce disaggregated.
The WRES has allowed us to step back and look at the disparities which exist for BAME staff compared to their white colleagues, in order to take a long-term view of race equality for the NHS. We are committed to making our trust inclusive for all BAME staff and take the WRES data very seriously.
Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) reports
Cultural and Ethnic Minorities Network (CEMN)
The CEMN is open to all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff and non-BAME Allies. The networks vision is to be open, fair, transparent and equitable.
The network is run by staff for staff and provides a platform for addressing concerns specific to the BAME community with pastoral support available for all members. The network also supports BAME staff in professional and career development and helps shape organisational policy by being a stakeholder in issues related to BAME staff, patients and service users. Network meetings are held twice a month.
Hear from staff from a BAME background about what it’s like to work at MTW and the support offered to minority groups: