Racial discrimination widespread in NHS job offers

A report from the Royal College of Physicians has found that doctors from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds have been hindered in their search for senior roles because of widespread ‘racial discrimination’.

The RCP analysed data from eight years’ worth of annual surveys reporting on the experiences of, and outcomes for, clinicians within a year of passing their medical certificate completion of training (CCT). It found consistent evidence of trainees from BAME background being less successful at consultant interview.

CCT holders who described themselves as being of white ethnicity appeared to apply for fewer posts but were more likely to be shortlisted and to be offered a post. A survey from this year found that this is still the case, with respondents of white ethnicity (61 per cent) far more likely to be shortlisted for interview and offered a post despite applying for fewer posts than their BAME counterpart (mean 1.3 versus 2.0 for all other ethnic groups).

White respondents had a 98 per cent chance of being shortlisted after their first application, compared with 91 per cent of BAME respondents. This gap widened even further when it came to the likelihood of being offered a post the first-time round: 29 per cent of white respondents were offered a post after being shortlisted for the first time, compared with just 12 per cent of BAME respondents.

Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said: “It is clear from the results of this survey that racial discrimination is still a major issue within the NHS. It’s a travesty that any healthcare appointment would be based on anything other than ability.

“We need to make sure that everyone is given equal opportunities to achieve their potential and that the best doctors are appointed to the right jobs. I look forward to working closely with the NHS, the GMC and other medical bodies to do everything we can to put an end to racial discrimination in healthcare for good.”

Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said: “This important and timely study by the RCP London shows that differential attainment is an issue that extends beyond medical training and into consultant appointments. Understanding the position is the first important step to addressing the problem. This study provides greater understanding, we now collectively need to actively address the problem.”