We know that people from ethnically diverse communities can experience poorer access to services, different experiences of care, and poorer health outcomes.
We also know that ethnically diverse colleagues can experience racism, discrimination, and barriers at work.
These inequalities are not acceptable, and won't change without deliberate action.
Together, we will continue working towards a fairer, more inclusive Berkshire Healthcare for our staff, patients, and communities.
Read our latest reports and strategy documents to better understand why and how we're tackling racism and inequality in the NHS.
File size: 1.69 MB
File size: 1.21 MB
File size: 2.8 MB
We know that people from ethnically diverse communities can experience poorer access to services, different experiences of care, and poorer health outcomes.
We also know that ethnically diverse colleagues can experience racism, discrimination, and barriers at work.
These inequalities are not acceptable, and won't change without deliberate action.
National evidence shows clear and unacceptable ethnic inequalities in health outcomes across the UK.
In 2023, 26% of UK deaths in Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups were caused by cardiovascular disease.
Black people have a 1.5 to 2.5 times higher risk of stroke than White people.
Black, Asian, and mixed ethnicity women face higher rates of death related to pregnancy than White women.
Black African, African Caribbean, and South Asian communities are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
African and Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than White men of the same age.
Black and South Asian women are less likely to survive breast cancer than White women.
Mental Health Act detention rates for Black or Black British people are more than 3.5 times higher than for White people.
Our latest workforce race equality report (up to 2025), shows our ethnically diverse colleagues facing challenges in their day to day work.
Ethnically diverse colleagues are more likely to experience bullying, harassment and abuse from patients, relatives and the public.
Ethnically diverse colleagues are more than twice as likely to experience discrimination from managers or colleagues.
Ethnically diverse colleagues are more likely to face formal disciplinary action.
White candidates are more likely to be appointed after being shortlisted.
We are building anti-racism into everyday decisions so that our teams can spot inequalities earlier and take action.
This has included:
We have helped people build confidence to talk about race, understand racism and take action.
This has included:
We have worked with communities and partners to understand barriers and improve people’s access, experience, and outcomes.
We are:
We have changed senior recruitment and improved how we use workforce data to help understand and reduce barriers to career progression.
This has included:
We have strengthened how we prevent, respond to and learn from racism.
This has included:
Our Anti-Racism Taskforce are responsible for driving positive change towards an inclusive, equitable and antiracist organisational culture.
They monitor our progress and helps us stay accountable.
You can also join our CommUNITY Forum, which is safe and empowering space where voices are heard, ideas are welcomed, and real change takes place.
Our anti-racism and equity work has been recognised through external case studies, awards, and national forums.
These opportunities allow us to contribute to wider learning across the NHS and beyond, while also reflecting on our own progress.
We’ve achieved Silver Trailblazer Status (the highest available award), which recognises our ongoing commitment to being an anti-racist organisation.
NHS Alliance independent membership body that represents and supports the health and care system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Visit their website to read our National ethnicity pay gap case study.
On Monday 10 November we hosted our annual Anti-Racism CommUNITY Forum at the Crowne Plaza in Reading, marking another step forward in our ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and meaningful change.
Anti-Racism CommUNITY Forum 2025: Read more
We’re proud to have been recognised for our contribution to community health and equity at the 2025 Reading Grassroot Community Awards.
Berkshire Healthcare and our Deputy CEO recognised for amplifying our communities’ voice: Read more
In recognition of more than 25 years of work improving access to health services, strengthening community partnerships, and addressing health inequalities across Berkshire.
Berkshire Healthcare’s Cecily Mwaniki awarded Honorary Doctorate: Read more
A specially commissioned artwork celebrating the contribution of Berkshire's Windrush Generation is now on display across Berkshire Healthcare sites, marking Windrush Day and honouring the people whose dedication helped shape the NHS we know today.
Windrush Day: New artwork celebrates Berkshire's Windrush Generation: Read more
