The Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications has launched a survey today to capture the views and experiences of communications professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds.

This will be the first comprehensive piece of research to help the NHS gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist for ethnic minority communication and engagement professionals. The survey offers an unprecedented opportunity for ethnic minority communicators to have their voices heard and input to meaningful action to improve diversity in the NHS communications profession.   

Open now for three weeks until Sunday 20 October, the survey will capture the detailed opinions and experiences of communicators, marketers and engagement specialists, whether they:  

• are currently working in the NHS,

• have previously worked in the NHS

• have never worked in the NHS.

This data will be combined with a literature review and a series of interviews with senior NHS leaders to form a unique body of research into the disparities in access, experiences and outcomes from careers in NHS communications between staff from ethnic minority backgrounds and their white counterparts.  

Edna Boampong​​​​, programme director for diverse and inclusive communications at NHS Confederation said:  

"We know that the NHS communications workforce does not match the rich diversity of the communities it serves; the question now is why?  

"The Taskforce is committed to understanding the experiences of communicators both in and outside of the NHS and their view of NHS comms as a career pathway so that we can work to dismantle the inequalities that lead to individuals not reaching their full potential, leaving the NHS or avoiding it altogether. 

"We know that we are not doing all we can to attract, retain and promote individuals from ethnic minorities, so we're asking them to tell us, in their own words, how we can do better."

The survey will be open until Sunday 20 October.  

The information collected in this survey will help the taskforce identify the barriers holding back progress and suggest practical solutions to help NHS communications professionals and their executive teams improve diversity at all levels within the workforce, particularly in senior roles.