Is it an emergency?The ICB is committed to being an anti-racism organisation and has signed up to UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter and Race at Work Charter. The organisation also follows the NHS England and NHS Improvement East of England antiracism strategy.
Anti-racism charter
The three clinical commissioning groups that formed the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB in July 2022 were the first in the country to sign up to UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter.
The ICB is fulfilling the ongoing commitments laid out within the Charter.
“Black employees often have a radically different experience to white employees, even in the public sector.
“Black workers are paid less, more likely to be subject to disciplinary procedures, less likely to access training and more likely to be dismissed or made redundant.
“As the first organisations to sign this pledge, the Suffolk and north east Essex CCGs are leading the way in recognising that disparity and making every effort to tackle it.”Winston Dorsett, Regional Organiser for UNISON
Anti-racism strategy
The NHS England and NHS Improvement East of England antiracism strategy was launched on 1 July 2021.
“I will show zero tolerance of racism and will commit allyship and leadership for this mission across the East of England”
Ed Garratt, Chief Executive Officer, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB
Race at Work Charter
In July 2022, the ICB signed up to the Race at Work Charter. This means that we have committed to taking practical steps to ensure that the ICB is tackling barriers that ethnic minority people face in recruitment and progression, including the seven commitments in the Charter.
Race at Work Charter commitments
- Appoint an executive Sponsor for race
- Capture ethnicity data and publicise progress
- Commit to zero tolerance of racial harassment and bullying
- Supporting equality is the responsibility of all the leaders
- Support ethnic minority career progression
- Support race inclusion allies in the workplace
- Include ethnically diverse led businesses in supply chains