NMC takes step towards race equity by signing UNISON Anti-Racism Charter

The Charter – which outlines clear actions and accountability for tackling racism in the workplace – reaffirms our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, as set out in our Culture Transformation Plan, which was published last month.

The signing took place at the first meeting of our new Culture Transformation Steering Group – which has been set up to drive forward the measures outlined in the Culture Transformation Plan.

The signing of the charter signals another step towards our creating a positive, empowering and inclusive culture for all people that engage with the NMC, regardless of their background or characteristics.

The Charter includes three areas: ’What our leaders will do’; ’What our organisation will do’; and ‘What our equality auditing process will review’.

There are 19 commitments in the Charter – these include:

• Recognising the need and benefit in championing a racially diverse workforce
• Challenging racism internally and externally wherever it arises in relation to our organisation
• Having a clear and visible anti-racism programme of initiatives and actions
• Undertaking ethnicity pay gap recording and publishing the results
• Reviewing our recruitment processes to identify and address race disparities in equality of opportunity
• Reviewing promotional processes to identify and address race disparities in equality of opportunity.

Signing this Charter is key to our fostering a new culture, which will be underpinned by a strong anti-racist ethos. It will help us to create a safe and inclusive working environment where all colleagues are supported to thrive, and deliver the best outcomes for both the professionals on our register and the public we serve.

Paul Rees MBE, NMC Interim Chief Executive and Registrar and Co-chair of the Culture Transformation Steering Group, said:

“Signing UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter marks an important milestone for the NMC, as we seek to embed equality, diversity and inclusion within every aspect of our work.

“As I hosted a series of listening events with 770 colleagues, during my first five weeks in post, I was shocked and disappointed to hear that some people still face racism, discrimination and bullying at the NMC. This is unacceptable and we are acting to ensure these behaviours are no longer tolerated.

“Committing to this Charter is key to supporting the aims of our Culture Transformation Plan, and ensuring an inclusive organisation, where success is celebrated, poor performance is challenged, and people can be themselves at work, regardless of their background or characteristics.”

Josie Irwin, UNISON Head of Equality, said:

“This is a significant step by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. UNISON will continue to work with signatory organisations to ensure the commitments are fully implemented. The anti-racism charter is a powerful way to work together and ensure racism has no place in the health sector.”

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