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Race equality
About the Department's work on race equality, including guidance on the implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 in the NHS.
The legacy of slavery and the health of black communities
Academic Dr Joy Legruy Leary has researched the effects of the slave trade on black communities today. She presented her work at a DH-funded conference, reported here:
Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
Modernising Government has inclusion, diversity and anti-racism at its heart. The Government wants to transform Britain into a society that is inclusive and prosperous, where equality of opportunity is a reality for all. It wants the public sector to set the pace in the drive for equality, to lead by example.
Single equality schemes: a discussion paper for NHS organisations
Published: 13/06/2006
One of the aims of this discussion paper is to raise awareness of the impending changes in equality legislation, policy and practice and their likely effects for NHS organisations. A number of NHS organisations either currently have or are developing a policy to meet these emerging needs and this discussion paper is intended to not only set out questions but to also broaden the debate, to stimulate further questions internally and also seek local and regional views and comments. This paper also sets out some, but by no means all, of the questions that Strategic Health Authorities, NHS Trusts and PCTs will be or are already addressing in the context of considering the development or implementation of a single equality scheme or an all-encompassing equality and diversity strategy.
Race equality in the NHS
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 (RR(A)A) places a statutory duty on NHS organisations (SHAs, PCTs, NHS Trusts, NHSFTs and Special Health Authorities) to promote race equality. This duty covers all aspects of an organisation's activities - policy and service delivery, as well as employment practices.
Department of Health Single Equality Scheme 2006 - 2009
Published: 04/12/2006
The Single Equality Scheme sets out how the Department will meet its obligations under equality legislation over the next three years.
Ethnic monitoring
Practical guide to ethnic monitoring in the NHS and social care
Published on 29 July 2005, the guide promotes the standard collection and use of ethnic group and related data on patients, service users and staff of the NHS and social services. It updates and widens previous guidance issued in 2002.
Good practice examples in ethnic monitoring
We would be pleased to receive further examples of good practice relating to the areas covered in the practical guide to ethnic monitoring.
Further information
Putting race equality to work in the NHS: a resource for action
A collation of experiences and ideas from NHS organisations that have already begun to develop their Race Equality Schemes
Promoting equality and diversity in the NHS: a guide for Board members
Revised July 2005. This guide explains why board level action on equality, fair treatment and social inclusion is important for patients and staff. It outlines supporting NHS frameworks and policies as well as your legal obligations. It also provides a checklist of priority areas for action.
Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) statutory code of practice
The code gives public authorities practical guidance on the steps they should take to tackle racial discrimination and promote equal opportunities and good race relations. It covers both the general duty and the specific duties.
CRE guide for public authorities
The guide is designed to help public authorities follow the code of practice. Although the guide does not have any legal standing (unlike the code) it as an authoritative document, based on the professional judgement of public authorities with wide-ranging practical experience of tackling discrimination and promoting racial equality.
CRE framework for inspectorates
The framework is intended to help inspectorates to meet the new statutory public duty to promote race equality. The framework encourages inspectorates to look for evidence that should distinguish successful authorities. The outcomes can also help authorities to draw up aims and targets.
Black History Month: Celebrating healthcare champions from Black and ethnic minority groups
October 2005 was Black History Month : a chance to recognise the contribution made by black and minority ethnic people to all fields of British life. For the 2005 event, the Department looked to the present as well as the past. Alongside heroes and heroines from previous generations, the spotlight was also turned on present-day champions in the Department and the NHS.
Additional links
Race equality performance guide for Strategic Health Authorities
Published by the CRE in 2004, and produced for the NHS with help from the DH and CRE.
Race for Health programme
Funded by the Department through Central Manchester PCT, the programme supports a network of 13 PCTs around the country, working in partnership with local and minority ethnic communities to improve health, modernise services, increase choice and create greater diversity within the NHS workforce.
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