• NHS England has published the 2018 Workforce Equality Standard data report.
• It shows that 19.1% of staff working for NHS trusts in England are from a BME background; this has increased year on year.
• However BME staff are still underrepresented in senior roles.

Responding to the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard: 2018 data analysis report, the head of policy at NHS Providers, Amber Jabbal said:

"It is good to see BME representation among the NHS workforce growing year on year, but as this data shows there is still much to do to encourage and support more people from a BME background into senior roles.

"Leaders from BME backgrounds bring a wealth of experience to leadership roles as well as frontline roles. It is important that NHS has a leadership which reflects the growing diversity of its workforce.

"Leaders from BME backgrounds bring a wealth of experience to leadership roles as well as frontline roles. It is important that NHS has a leadership which reflects the growing diversity of its workforce. 

"Evidence continues to show that if you are from a BME background you are more likely to be discriminated against when applying for senior positions as well as being more likely to suffer from bullying or harassment. This is unacceptable.

"We’re pleased to see a renewed funding commitment by NHS England to carry on work of the WRES through to 2025, as well as the promise to establish a Workforce Disability Equality Standard. This will ensure more can be done to support trusts to share best practise and embed these principles into the culture of the NHS."