BME Representation On All Interview Panels

Since the publication in 2014 of the 'Snowy White Peaks of the NHS' report by academic and researcher Roger Kline, there has been concerted work to understand and address the chronic under-representation of black and minority ethnic staff in senior roles in the NHS. This joint initiative is part of the drive for greater fairness.

In Camden and Islington, overall 45.9% of staff are from BME background, yet they occupy 60.5% of the band 1-5 posts but only 32.3% of 6-9 position. IN BEH, 54% of (AfC) staff are BME, yet 66% of the band 1-5 are BME and just 44% of the senior 6-9 posts.

Locally, regionally and nationally it is recognised that it cannot continue. It is a waste of talent; it has negative impacts on patient care and it harms recruitment and retention.

One of the ways some trust are successfully addressing this is to ensure BME staff are included on ALL interview panels.

So all posts band 6 or above (excluding medical) advertised on, or after, 1st September 2019, will have to include at least one BME member of staff on the panel. The person can come from either trust - this is a joint initiative which will ensure a bigger pool of suitable panellists.