The recently published NHS staff standards focus on six areas that staff have said matter most, including tackling racism. They set the expectation that all staff should have a safe working environment, free from racism and discrimination, and supported by local policies and reporting arrangements that prioritise wellbeing and provide restorative support. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) guidance offers practical advice for those who experience or witness discrimination, including how to respond, record an incident, seek support and raise concerns:
- Discrimination in the workplace and education settings
- Racially and religiously motivated discrimination
Staff who experience or witness racism should follow their organisation’s local policies and reporting routes, including arrangements for discriminatory behaviour. Where a patient’s behaviour towards staff crosses the line, this can include being entitled to refuse non-emergency care. Support may be available through line managers, staff networks, occupational health, trade union representatives and Freedom to Speak Up Guardians. Concerns should be raised through the most appropriate route, particularly where staff do not feel able to speak up through usual management channels.
If you experience or witness racism at work, don’t stay silent. Speak to your line manager, staff network or Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, and read the HCPC guidance linked above for practical steps on what to do next.
