Bullying policies ‘not fit for purpose’

POLICIES of the National Health Service in Wales to support people who raise concerns over bullying and harassment in the workplace are “not fit for purpose”, a report has suggested.

First Minister Mark Drakeford described the finding, detailed in a report looking at the impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME) people, as “clearly unacceptable”.

The report, by Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna’s BAME Covid-19 advisory socio-economic sub-group, makes more than 30 recommendations to address issues experienced by BAME communities.

Mr Drakeford said the report had been accepted “in its entirety” and actions were already being taken, had been completed or would be further developed.

He described the report as “a sobering, powerful one, which highlights the entrenched inequalities” experienced by BAME people in Wales.

“Major change is needed throughout society to address these inequalities,” Mr Drakeford said.

“The Welsh Government has already taken several steps along the road, but we recognise that there is a long way to go.”

Mr Drakeford added: “We have to look carefully and honestly at the structures and systems in society, and consider where and how to bring about change that benefits everyone.”

A Welsh workforce risk assessment tool, using the most recent research, evidence and data to identify known risk factors for Covid-19, has been rolled out across health and social care settings, with other versions also available.

The tool identifies an individual’s risk of harm from a coronavirus infection and suggests what that person and their line manager can to do mitigate the risk.

A BAME advice helpline has been funded, initially as a six-month pilot project, while a diversity and inclusion strategy to improve representation of BAME and disabled people in public appointments has been set up.