How to talk about race equity at work: a new RCN resource

The RCN has launched a new interactive race equity resource, Taking Time to Talk: Advancing Race Equity in Nursing and Midwifery, developed in partnership with NHS England.  

It focuses on the kinds of conversations and actions that support movement towards race equity across all care settings in the UK.  

The resource has been developed to help people better understand race dynamics at work. It covers microaggressions, psychological safety and allyship – as well as actions we can all take to promote race equity and how to speak up and get help.  

Wendy Irwin, RCN Diversity and Equalities Co-ordinator, said: “Every member of the nursing workforce has a responsibility to advance race equity. Racism has no place in nursing – yet we know discrimination still exists.  

“As part of efforts to eradicate racism, we need to focus on how we can actively advance race equity – something that requires all of us to take the time to talk about race. This resource aims to give our members guidance on how we can do that. Please take a look at it today.” 

The RCN is committed to transforming itself from being a non-discriminatory, non-racist organisation to becoming an anti-discriminatory, anti-racist one. We aspire to be a world-class champion of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights, providing workplace advice, support and representation to internationally educated nursing staff and fighting against any discrimination they may face.  

Earlier this year we launched our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, which outlines our commitment to fostering inclusion, diversity, and equitable support for all members.  

Wendy added: “Part of why the health care sector is so special is its diverse workforce. Patients get the benefit of being treated by people with different skills, experiences, interests and talents. This is why it’s so important to foster and develop inclusive workplaces and to challenge racism where and when it occurs.” 

This month, we’re celebrating Black History Month. To look back on what Black history means, we can’t ignore the inequality, discrimination and racism that has affected Black nursing staff, through the past into the modern day. 

Another version of the resource is available for nursing leaders to use to support race equity in their teams.