Anti-racism in the NHS

This page has been developed to help NHS organisations to tackle racism and ensure that staff feel supported by employers.

NHS Employers is an anti-racist organisation committed to helping organisations provide safe workplaces for all NHS staff.

To help combat a rise in reports from NHS organisations of abuse and harassment aimed at staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hostility and other forms of racism and religious hatred, this hub collates key resources to help employers take action at a local level and ensure staff feel protected and supported in the workplace.

Combatting racism is everyone’s job and through the Social Partnership Forum we will work closely with trade union colleagues to continue to support employers in this work.

Lord Mann review into antisemitism and other forms of racism

Hospital corridor with double doors and overhead signs reading “Way Out – Main Entrance” and “Fire Exit.”

Article

Statement of commitment to addressing antisemitism, anti-Muslim hostility and all forms of racism

Employers’ response to Lord Mann's review into antisemitism and other forms of racism across the NHS and healthcare regulatory sector.

8 June 2026

Article

Lord Mann’s recommendations to tackle antisemitism and racism accepted

The government has accepted in full Lord John Mann’s review into antisemitism and wider racism in the NHS.

4 June 2026

News

NHS Employers responds to Lord Mann's review of antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS

Dean Royles says priority must now be ensuring these recommendations are implemented effectively and consistently across the NHS.

3 June 2026

Legal advice on handling the conduct of NHS staff outside the workplace

We have worked with our legal partners Capsticks to develop guidance on how to deal with employees who may have been involved in racist or criminal activity, either physically, or on social media.

View the guidance

Anti-racism resources

Guidance

Model for Improvement: Anti-Racism Framework

The NHS Race & Health Observatory and Institute for Healthcare Improvement have developed an anti-racism approach to quality improvement. It supports teams across the NHS to recognise and address racism.

Resources

The NHS Alliance race equality programme

Helping you to identify and address structural race inequality as a core part of your board’s business.

Guidance

Combatting racial discrimination against minority ethnic nurses, midwives and nursing associates

This resource is designed to support nurses, midwives and nursing associates, providing advice on the action you can take if you witness or experience racism. It also supports those in leadership roles to be inclusive leaders.

Four ambulances parked at South Central Ambulance Station

Guidance

Supporting staff through incidents of racism

West Midlands Ambulance Service has updated their guidance document designed to help managers and leaders respond effectively, compassionately and consistently when staff experience racism.

Long hospital corridor with open doors, overhead signage for physiotherapy, and equipment trolleys visible at the far end

Blog

We need an uncompromising HR response to the rising tide of antisemitism and racism

In this blog, Dean Royles calls for uncompromising NHS HR action against antisemitism and all racism to protect staff and patients.

A physiotherapy patient using a stretch band on their leg.

Trade unions

TUC Anti-Racism Taskforce

The TUC's anti-racism taskforce is leading the trade union movement’s renewed campaign against racism at work. It engages workers across the UK to hear about their experiences and aims to produce recommendations on tackling structural racism in the UK, in workplaces and in unions themselves

Workforce Race Equality Standard

Learn about the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) and how NHS organisations can address race equality issues. Access the latest report.

Access the NHS England website

Education, training and development

A physiotherapist instructing a patient how to use a cycling machine.

Education and training

Boost Learning Academy

Boost Learning Academy offers a collection of anti-racism training and support materials to becoming anti-racist, and is provided by partners within the North East and Yorkshire Integrated Care Systems.

Education and training

DARE to Care

Dare to CARE is a project at the University of Essex to help health and social care staff tackle racism in their workplaces, bringing together resources to assist in ending racism and racist incidents in health and social care settings.

Education and training

Diversity in Health and Care Partners Programme

The NHS Alliance's Diversity in Health and Care Partners Programme is run annually from September. It is a comprehensive organisational development programme which helps organisations advance equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.

Race and Health Observatory anti-racism principles

Join the BME Leadership Network and receive the latest news on anti-racism

The NHS Alliance's BME Leadership Network issues bi-monthly bulletins, supporting the NHS to address racial inequality, showcasing innovation from both within the healthcare sector and more widely. The network is open to both BME NHS leaders and allies.

Join the BME Leadership Network

Violence prevention and reduction resources

Violence prevention and reduction standard

This updated edition of the violence prevention and reduction standard supports organisations to take action to prevent and reduce violence and abuse against staff.

Social Partnership Forum violence reduction

Details and updates on the national Social Partnership Forum's work to support the prevention and reduction of violence against NHS staff.

A diverse group of healthcare staff walking along a hospital corridor.

Violence reduction e-learning

This e-learning resource aims to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and resource to support violence reduction and improve wellbeing in our communities.