Report accuses NHS health trust of 'nepotism'

A report has uncovered allegations of nepotism and inequality at an NHS mental health trust.

The study - led by former NHS equality director Yvonne Coghill - was based on the experiences of 100 members of staff at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) and was commissioned by NSFT itself.

Findings included evidence that the disciplinary processes for staff from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background (BAME) were "more draconian".

Dr Faisil Sethi, NSFT's deputy chief executive, said: "While we have made some progress, we have much more to do to reduce disparity of experience and improve the lives of our colleagues from black and minority ethnic backgrounds."

The workforce race equality report found staff felt there were significant discrepancies in recruitment, career progression, the disciplinary process and equal opportunities.

It included allegations of "widespread and problematic nepotism" and a fear of speaking up or making complaints.

Some staff felt there was no clear process for dealing with racist patients.

In the report, NSFT's leadership was accused of not understanding race, and senior leaders were accused of not listening.

In the report, Caroline Donovan, NSFT chief executive, said it was her aim to ensure everyone "regardless of background has the best possible experience of working here".

She added: "NSFT, similar to many organisations, has challenges of racial disparity which need urgent and sustaining leadership."

The report recommended NSFT held a conference about the findings, and conducted an audit of its application process.

It said all board members must have a clear and deep understanding of the issues and leaders must listen to BAME staff and commit to being anti-racist.

Dr Sethi added that race discrimination was taken "extremely seriously" at NSFT.

He said the report was part of the trust's commitment to embrace "cultural diversity and racial equality".

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