Improving diversity in NHS communications

Practical actions to improve diversity in the NHS communications and engagement workforce.
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Diverse teams are not just a ‘nice to have’: an NHS workforce that reflects the communities it serves is critical for fostering effective relationships, building trust with communities and shaping services that work for everyone. Diversity ensures that communications strategies are inclusive, culturally sensitive and relevant to all.

While the NHS has made considerable strides in promoting diversity across its workforce, the communications profession still reflects significant racial disparities. 

The Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications was established in September 2024 to develop practical recommendations to improve diversity in the NHS communications and engagement workforce. 

The taskforce has taken a comprehensive, insight-led approach to understand the experiences, challenges and aspirations of ethnic minority communication professionals, undertaking an original body of research including an extensive survey of over 300 communications professionals, engagement workshops with communications leads and one-to-one interviews with senior leaders. 

The taskforce's final report was published on 31 July 2025. Browse this section to access the report and accompanying Diversity Charter, as well as summaries of the survey findings and literature review, which informed the report.

This report has been published by NHS Communicate, a partnership between the NHS Confederation, NHS Providers and the Centre for Health Communications Research.

    • Edna Boampong (Chair), Director of Communications and Engagement Liverpool City Council
    • Antony Tiernan, Director of Communications, NHS Blood and Transplant
    • Chloe Knight, Head of Communications (EDI), NHS Confederation
    • Dan Charlton, Chief Communications Officer, Sussex Partnership
      NHS Foundation Trust and Centre for Health Communications Research
    • Daniel Reynolds, Director of Communications, NHS Confederation
    • Donna Webster, Associate Director of People and Culture, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare
      NHS Trust
    • Kofi Mensah-Ansong, Marketing Officer/Race Equality and Cultural Inclusion Chair, NHS Providers
    • Meredith Vivian OBE, Non-Executive Director: Health Inequalities & Involvement, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board
    • Natasha Ferguson, Chief Operating Officer, Taylor Bennett Foundation
    • Nazareth Ayele-Gayle, Deputy Head of Strategic Communications, NHS England
    • Ranjeet Kaile, Executive Director of Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
    • Sally Mussellwhite, Head of Communications and Marketing, NHS Providers
    • Sarah Campion, Director of External Affairs and Communications, NHS Charities Together
    • Sarah Waddington CBE, Non-Executive Director & Social Mobility Activist, Wadds Inc
    • Shak Rafiq, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • Shameema Ali, Communications and Engagement Lead, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Publications

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Report

Breaking barriers: improving diversity in NHS communications

Key themes and recommendations to advance the improvement of access, experience and outcomes for BME communications professionals.

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Charter

Diversity Charter

How NHS leaders and senior communicators can develop a diverse communications and engagement profession, supported by strong allyship and advocacy.

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Presentation

Survey of ethnic minority communicators

Results of our primary research into the views and experiences of over 300 BME communicators working both inside and outside of the NHS.

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Literature review

Diversity in the communication profession

Our initial research into the existing evidence on racial inequality in both the comms and PR profession and the NHS. Sources include data from NHS England's Workforce Race Equality Standard and research from GOV, ONS, Harvard Business Review, among others.

Pledge your support

Sign up to our Diversity Charter and take a stand.

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News and opinion

Edna Boampong
NHS Voices

BME staff are sick of being told lack of career progression is nothing to do with race

We can overcome race bias in NHS communications, if we're prepared to.

4 August 2025
A diverse group of delegates having a conversation at a conference.
Press release

NHS needs to act to prevent ethnic minority communications staff talent drain, new report shows

Poor experiences, discrimination and lack of trust are driving communicators away from the NHS.

31 July 2025
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News

Taskforce convene to tackle diversity challenges in NHS communications

The Independent Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications begins working to improve diversity in NHS communications.

12 September 2024

Contact us

Chloe Knight

Chloe Knight

Head of EDI Communications, NHS Confederation

Chloe is head of EDI communications for the NHS Confederation and a member of the Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications.

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