Letter to the Secretary of State on equality, diversity and inclusion

The NHS Confederation has sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, following a letter Mr Barclay sent yesterday on the money that may be spent on roles advising NHS organisations on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

While our members share the Secretary of State's commitment to ensuring that the money given to them by the taxpayer is spent wisely and with impact, they found Mr Barclay's comments on EDI concerning.

NHS leaders know that EDI is a key strategic function that contributes to increased productivity, efficiency, patient safety and quality improvement. The Government commissioned review of NHS leadership and management, undertaken by General Sir Gordon Messenger, also made clear that dedicated EDI professionals were necessary to help in this endeavour.

It is clear to NHS leaders that the service will simply not survive without a continued and reinvigorated focus on ensuring EDI is at the core of everything it does, and we have asked the Secretary of State to meet with us to discuss this matter further.