Taskforce convene to tackle diversity challenges in NHS communications
The Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications, hosted in partnership with NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, chaired by Edna Boampong, met for the first time on Tuesday 10 September to begin its work to increase diversity among NHS communicators.
The Taskforce has brought together prominent leaders from across the NHS communications and engagement profession, NHS leadership and social mobility campaigners, as well as a diverse group of ethnic minority communicators with lived experience of navigating a communications career.
"One of the things I'd like to see us have a real impact on is helping people understand what we mean when we talk about racism. For many it is seen only as right-wing thuggery, when what has much greater negative effect is subtle and is often not even recognised."
Meredith Vivian
During this first meeting, members agreed on a plan of action to confront the racial disparities highlighted in ‘The State of NHS Communications (2024)’, specifically that ethnic minorities remain disproportionately underrepresented in senior leadership roles, with less than 5 percent of the most senior NHS communicators coming from a minority ethnic background. In addition, almost two-thirds (61%) of senior NHS communicators say they do not have a communications workforce representative of the local communities they serve. In response to these findings, the taskforce plans to focus initially on addressing the lack of ethnic diversity and representation in the NHS communications workforce, while also considering the needs and experiences of the broader range of underrepresented groups.
"I can't not pay it forward; I've got personal responsibility in this space. We can all be commentators, but I'd like to be on the pitch and play so that I can make a difference to that end result."
Shak Rafiq
The taskforce has established terms of reference and will meet bi-monthly, delivering its final findings and recommendations in early 2025.
The group is clear on both the urgency for change within the communications industry, across all sectors, and the potential for NHS communicators to lead that change, and, in doing so, have a positive impact on patient care.
"We often talk a good game in the NHS about diversity but arguably, we don't always deliver on making change and I'd be really excited to be part of something that helps deliver change."
Dan Charlton
Get involved: a message from the taskforce
We know that the NHS is committed to challenging racial inequality in its workforce and that some great examples of innovation exist in this space. If you can share information on any work being delivered in your organisation, please get in touch at NHSCommsTaskforce@nhsconfed.org.
We will undertake some primary research to better understand the systemic and structural barriers hindering progress towards diversity in the NHS communications profession.
We are eager to hear from communications professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds, with current, previous and no experience of working within the NHS.
Our survey is due to launch during the week commencing 30 September, and we ask that colleagues share it among their contacts and encourage as many communicators from ethnic minority backgrounds as possible to make their voices heard.
"I think what's also important to think about is if we are looking to increase representation within NHS communications, we must also understand the challenges and the relationship that ethnic minorities have with the service."
Natasha Ferguson
The Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications is committed to creating a more diverse and representative communications workforce in the NHS. Follow our progress and share your perspective by using the hashtag #NHSCommsDiversity.
