We're one of the most diverse NHS trusts in London. More than half of our colleagues come from ethnic minority backgrounds and our staff come from 146 different countries.

However, from last year's staff survey, almost one in four staff (24%) told us they had experienced discrimination because of their ethnic background. Tackling this is part of our wider work to improve staff safety and working conditions across our hospitals.

On Tuesday (27 January), we signed the UNISON Anti-Racism Charter, which sets out clear expectations for how racism is prevented, reported and addressed.

The event at Queen’s Hospital was attended by Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham; our Trust Chair, Sarah Betteley; Chief Executive, Matthew Trainer; staff network representatives and UNISON officials.

The Charter is a list of pledges that demonstrate a commitment to tackling racism in the workplace through clear action and support for staff, to be implemented within 12 months of signing.

This work sits alongside our #NoAbuseNoExcuse campaign, which enforces a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of staff. We use tools such as red cards where appropriate, to help staff respond consistently to make sure any abusive behaviour isn’t tolerated.

Over the past three years, more than 1,000 staff have completed Active Bystander training to help them safely challenge inappropriate behaviour including racism.

We’re also a pilot trust for the Race Ethnicity Maturity Index (REMI), which supports structured conversations about staff experience in clinical areas.

Our Chief Executive, Matthew Trainer, said:

What's included in this Charter is a recognition that our leaders see this as an issue that needs to be taken very seriously for the wellbeing of our staff and for our effective function as a hospital.

We'll follow that through by taking actions that allow us to demonstrate through the things that we do that we take anti-racism seriously and we'll ensure the actions we're taking are having a measurable impact.

Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, said:

I think this sends a strong statement to all your staff, that you’ve listened, you’re aware of it and working with them.

It isn’t just a launch and a piece of paper, it’s an action and you all seem very engaged which I think is fantastic.