Talented communications professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds are being driven out of careers in NHS communication due to pervasive feelings of poor relationships with managers, lack of career progression and structural racism, according to new research.

A survey conducted by the Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications collected views from over 300 ethnic minority communication and engagement specialists from the NHS, charity and commercial sectors. It examines their unique experiences and challenges.

The survey reveals that despite the high levels of education and career ambitions among ethnic minority communicators, many who were once drawn to the NHS by its mission to serve the community and make a difference, are now disillusioned and departing due to negative experiences.

Twenty-six per cent (26%) of ethnic minority NHS communications professionals do not envisage remaining in their roles three years from now, citing poor relationships with management (37%), dissatisfaction with the institution (34%) and structural racism (32%) as key reasons.

Key revelations from the research include:

• High ambition, low opportunity: An overwhelming 97% of ethnic minority communicators hold a degree or higher, with more than 90% aspiring for promotion within three years. Yet, more than half (55%) say they are not confident they will be promoted to a more senior role in three years.
• Heritage impacts experience: Asian and Black professionals report significantly lower satisfaction regarding career progression compared to their mixed-heritage: 8% of mixed-heritage professionals surveyed want to be promoted but think they won't be, compared to 24% of Asian and 27% of Black respondents. Structural racism was cited as a primary reason for departing the NHS by 39% of Black and Asian communicators, while no mixed-heritage respondents raised it as a factor.
• The NHS ranks lower than other employers: Two-thirds (68%) of professionals who had worked in the NHS, but now worked elsewhere stated that their current workplace was better than the NHS.

The NHS Confederation, NHS Providers and the Centre for Health Communications Research established the Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications in response to concern over a lack of diversity in NHS communication roles, particularly at a senior level.

Edna Boampong, Taskforce chair and programme director for Diverse and Inclusive Communications for the NHS Confederation, said:

"Staff are coming into the health service passionate about the work we do and keen to build successful careers, only to become disillusioned and feel that they don't belong.

"Perhaps most alarming is the evidence suggesting that individuals from mixed-heritage backgrounds have better experiences in communications than their Black and Asian peers. It appears that in 2024, a person's heritage and the colour of their skin continues to limit their career potential and ability to thrive in their career.

"The findings are clear, without decisive action, the NHS is at risk of losing experienced, dedicated and ambitious communicators."

Matthew Taylor, chief executive for the NHS Confederation, said:

"Our ethnic minority colleagues want equality; they want evidence that their skills are valued and that they have the same path to progression as everyone else.

"The survey findings tell us that many of our talented staff don't plan to stick around and that once they leave, they may not come back. That is a loss for those individuals but also a loss of talent for the NHS and its communications profession.

"Without a truly diverse and representative workforce, we risk not being able to engage effectively with the communities we serve and damaging hard-won trust with those groups."

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

"It's time to take decisive steps. The taskforce now invites leaders to come together to develop meaningful recommendations for change, enriching the communications profession and ensuring we create a diverse pipeline of future leaders."

Over the next few months, the taskforce will have in-depth conversations with NHS leaders and hold a series of workshops to share the data and collectively develop meaningful recommendations to enhance the experience of all communications professionals and improve the diversity of the NHS communications workforce and their sense of belonging.  A final report from the taskforce will be published in the spring of 2025.