Racism – whether overt or subtle – continues to exist within our society; including in our workplaces and within the communities we serve. It can take many forms, from explicit discriminatory language to microaggressions and biases that are less overt but equally harmful.
As leaders and managers across South Yorkshire ICB, you have a responsibility to acknowledge this reality and actively support colleagues when they are affected by racism. The ICB is unwavering in its commitment to anti-racism and maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of racism. We must embody our values of compassion, respect and inclusivity in all our actions and interactions.
Experiencing racism can have profound and lasting effects on individuals. It impacts not only mental and emotional wellbeing -leading to stress, anxiety, isolation and reduced self-worth, but can also affect physical health, job performance and career development. Colleagues who regularly face racism may disengage, lose trust in leadership and/or choose to leave the organisation. Racism is never just a personal matter – it impacts staff wellbeing, team cohesion and the integrity of our organisation.
By providing immediate and meaningful support, managers can help mitigate these effects. This means offering a safe space to speak up, validating experiences, and actively demonstrating respect and care.