How to Join the Race for Health Programme
What is Race for Health?
This is a national programme, funded by the Department of Health, hosted by Manchester PCT, whose aim is to drive forward race equality in the NHS, in relation to service commissioning, service provision, employment and community development.
Why should my PCT/Trust become a member?
Being part of the Race for Health programme brings many benefits to the organisation. These include membership of a supported learning network offering, among other things, peer reviews, action learning sets, information and knowledge management, and dedicated Thinking Partner time. As a member of Race for Health, the organisation will be expected to exercise leadership at a local, regional and national level in relation to race equality. This does not require the organisation, at entry point, to be a beacon of excellence in the field of race equality, but it must demonstrate the commitment and courage to honestly identify areas for improvement and to share the learning from the onward journey.
How does my PCT/Trust become a member?
The first step is a conversation with the Race for Health National Director, Helen Hally, to explore the responsibilities and implications of being part of the programme. This should be followed by a meeting between the National Director, the Chair and Chief Executive of the PCT/Trust, and the anticipated Programme Lead. If the PCT/Trust then wishes to pursue an application to become part of the Race for Health programme it must make a written submission that will include:
- A brief overview of the population served, demographics, morbidity and key issues for BME communities (circa 1000 words);
- A brief account of action taken to address race equality and areas that are outstanding (circa 750 words);
- A copy of the Race Equality Scheme.
- An action plan for community engagement with anticipated outcomes.
- An explicit statement of commitment to the programme from the Chair, the Chief Executive and, where appropriate, the PEC Chair. This involves taking on board the Race for Health pledges (attached) and full participation in the activity of the programme through: identifying director level representation for the Programme Board, identifying a dedicated Programme Lead and participation in the peer review process.
Once the submission has been received and approved, the organisation will be welcomed formally as part of the Race for Health programme. An induction meeting will be arranged for as soon as possible thereafter. This meeting will involve the PCT/Trust Chair, Chief Executive, Programme Lead and any other key figures that the organisation wishes to include. From Race for Health, the National Director will attend and wherever possible she will be accompanied by the Thinking Partner who will be allocated to the PCT/Trust.
For further information:
Helen Hally
National Director - Race for Health
Mobile: 07725 345053
Musmirah Shazada
Business Manager
musmirah.shazada@manchester.nhs.uk
Tel: 0161 861 2266