Racial Equality Pledges: one year on

One year on from pledging a shared commitment to racial equality, health leaders in the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS) continue their efforts to reduce inequalities and create a culture of inclusiveness.

The racial equality, diversity and inclusion pledges forcefully reject all forms of racism and discrimination, commit to protecting and promoting equality, and increasing awareness of bias and injustice.

Since the pledges were made, an action plan has been developed which puts the commitments into practice within three core elements of the ICS:  leadership and governance; workforce; and work.

The action plan speaks directly to the ICS pledges which include tackling ill health, health inequalities and access to healthcare. It also supports the system’s aspiration to improve leadership and governance and make the system a great place to work.

Last year, Sir Neil McKay, Independent Chair of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICS, said: “There are countless examples that show inequality, racism and discrimination are still experienced by ethnic minorities across the world, and there is clear evidence that racism and discrimination cause health inequalities.

“As an ICS, we need to recognise that we all have a role to play in addressing these inequalities and committing to the pledges which will act as a ‘golden thread’ through the work the system delivers.

“We are now collectively pledging consistent attention and actions which are visible and practical to tackle the deep-rooted issues that lie behind systemic racial inequalities.

“Although we acknowledge that these pledges are not the complete answer, we believe they are important steps towards reducing inequalities, creating an atmosphere of inclusiveness in our workplaces and cultivating meaningful change for our communities.”

Dr Priya George, Shropshire GP and Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “The pledges committed us to working together with our communities, in our actions and words, to create a better future in which everyone enjoys the same freedoms, rights and opportunities.

“Over the past year, steps have been taken to turn these pledges into actions and bring equality to the front and centre of the ICS.

“There is still a lot of work to be done to raise awareness of the racism, bias and injustice so many minorities have faced and continue to face, but I’m excited to see progress being made across the system.”

To read the ICS’ pledges, please click here