Responding to the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) and Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) reports published today, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: 

“It is positive that these figures suggest progress has been made in improving representation at senior levels in the NHS, but it’s clear that there is still more work to be done. The NHS is an incredibly diverse workforce and it is vital this is represented at the highest levels. 

“It is clear that despite pledges to improve the situation, for too many, discrimination and inequality in the NHS remain. While funding for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion roles remains under attack, NHS leaders should see this report as a wake-up call that they need to do more to protect staff and end this abuse of our diverse workforce.”