The General Medical Council (GMC) has launched a new resource to support doctors who are facing racism and discrimination in the workplace.
Bringing together current GMC guidance on the matter, the hub supports those experiencing racism by giving them advice on how to tackle the issue head-on, highlighting the expectations of employers and health leaders to cultivate inclusive cultures for all, and signposting how and where specific concerns can be raised and ultimately addressed.
The resource also includes real-life examples of doctors experiencing racism, ranging from micro-aggressions to outright racial discrimination.
The launch comes after a recent British Medical Association survey reported that 76% of respondents had experienced racism in the workplace in the last two years.
Professor Colin Melville, Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards at the GMC said: “Everyone has the right to come to work without fear of experiencing racism, but as we know only too well, and as the BMA’s recent survey underlines, this is a very real challenge that we must work together on across our healthcare system.
“We are clear: there is zero tolerance for racism of any kind, and we all have a responsibility to act when we witness it.
“We understand speaking up in the moment or acting upon racist behaviour in the workplace can be challenging or daunting, so it’s important for support and guidance to be readily available and easily accessible. Equally, we must encourage working cultures where doctors feel supported and empowered to speak up, if discrimination of any kind does take place.”
This also comes after NHS Providers published an anti-racism statement earlier this week.
To access the GMC’s hub, click here.
