New agreement aims to promote diversity

A MEMORANDUM of understanding has been signed between a leading voluntary organisation and a Welsh health board to further promote diversity and equality.

The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (Bapio) said its agreement with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board will also aid recruitment and retention of clinical staff from minority backgrounds.

The four key pillars reflected in the MOU include:

Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the health board;

Jointly working towards raising the staff morale;

Developing working relationships that will assist in the resolution of issues of concerns regarding individual members of Bapio;

Collaborating for recruitment and retention of clinical staff at the health board.

UK Government figures published earlier this year show that 22.1% of the NHS workforce is from ethnic minority groups, while almost half (49%) of all medical staff are from ethnic minorities. However, the senior managerial and leadership positions across the UK are not representative of the ethnic makeup of the NHS workforce.

Professor Keshav Singhal, chairman Bapio Wales, said: “This is a hugely important collaborative which would aid recruitment and retention of clinical staff and make inroads in addressing issues on race equality by positive committed and high-quality leadership.”

Dr Stuart Walker, executive medical director at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “As well as signalling our intent as an organisation totally committed to equal opportunity, it will also lead to many practical advantages for both organisations.”