BSMHFT has been shortlisted for the NHS Race Equality Award at this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards.
Recognising its bold and transformative approach to embedding anti-racist practice across the organisation, the shortlisting in the NHS Race Equality Award reflects the Trust’s commitment to creating a workplace where equity is standard and where staff and service users from racially minoritised backgrounds experience belonging, safety and opportunity.
Central to the Trust’s success is its co-produced Anti-Racist Framework and Active Bystander Train-the-Trainer programme, developed in partnership with Aston University and Mokita Training and Consultancy. These initiatives have embedded anti-racist principles into recruitment, HR, and leadership systems, resulting in measurable improvements. Disciplinary disparities have dropped by over 50%, board representation of Global Majority staff has risen from 0% to 47%, and belief in equal progression among Global Majority colleagues has increased by nearly 10% since 2022.
More than 400 staff have completed Active Bystander training, delivered by 10 internal facilitators, with 94% reporting increased confidence in challenging racism and 88% noting improved team culture. The programme has also contributed to a decline in bullying and harassment and improved patient experience.
The Trust’s approach has been widely shared across the NHS, influencing regional policy through the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board and informing national conversations on race equality. Two neighbouring NHS trusts have adopted key elements of the programme and BSMHFT leaders continue to support the Midlands EDI Network and contribute to the national Model Employer review.
Patrick Nyarumbu MBE, Deputy Chief Executive, said:
“Being shortlisted for the NHS Race Equality Award is a prestigious recognition of the progress we are making together towards becoming a truly inclusive organisation.
“It reflects the dedication, energy and expertise of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and Race Equity Network, whose leadership has been instrumental in driving forward this vital work and also speaks to the everyday actions of colleagues across Team BSMHFT who are helping us create a place where everyone feels valued.”
The 2025 awards judging panel was once again made up of a diverse range of influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including; Matthew Style, Director General, Secondary Care and Integration, Department of Health & Social Care, Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive Officer, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, NHS England as well as a range of esteemed Chief Executives from NHS Trusts across the UK.
HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan commented:
“On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate BSMHFT on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of NHS Race Equality. All of the applications represent the ‘very best of the NHS’ and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice!
“Year on year the number of entrants continue to rise which I find so encouraging and is testament to the effect that HSJ Awards can have on improved staff culture and morale.
“We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming our finalists to the awards ceremony, celebrating their impressive achievements and jointly acknowledging our values of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and continuously driving for better service. But we never forget that the award ceremony is not just a celebration within a night, but a platform to recognise the hard work of all our NHS staff, all year round.”
The team will find out the results at this year’s HSJ Awards, which are being held on Thursday 20 November.
Published: 19 August 2025
