The Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) is a set of metrics that require all NHS organisations with contracts over £200k, to demonstrate progress against a number of indicators of race equality, including a specific indicator to address the low levels of BME Board representation.
Why has this been introduced?
There is significant evidence to support the fact that BME employees are treated less favourably than their white counterparts and that there has been a limited improvement for a long time, in fact, the proportion of BME Board members and senior/nurse managers has decreased in recent years.
These metrics are outcome-focused and analysis of them will require an understanding of the underlying challenges.
Improving the care of staff improves the care of patients and diversity impacts positively on innovation and teamwork. Improving race equality can trigger wider culture change.
What's next?
The 2015 WRES report gave us a baseline for further action and reporting and the 2020 report shows our progress against that. The data collated informs a range of Trust action plans.
Where else can I get more information?
Please visit the NHS England website's Equality Hub.
View our Workforce Race Equality Standard Report below