Conclusion blog by Namita Srivastava, Policy Officer. Thank you video by Ed Hughes, CEO, Council of Deans of Health.
The fight for racial justice and equality remains as pertinent and enduring as ever. The Council of Deans of Health maintains its commitment to its continuing work on anti-racism, and is pleased to have hosted its annual race equity month this November.
The Council has produced, in partnership with its members, a series of blogs, podcasts and a webinar across a range of themes related to race equity.
One of the highlights of this month’s activities has been the webinar by Professor Calvin Moorley of London South Bank University considering how to attract the next generation of academics from diverse backgrounds. Calvin highlighted the lack of representation of black women in the academic workforce. He explored the concept of whiteness and its impacts on an intersectionally diverse academic workforce. There was a discussion on the importance of black role models for students, and how, at LSBU, they are using fellowships, lectures and awards to reclaim narratives for black students. The webinar was a fascinating insight into how Calvin, a black professor, is using his influence to profoundly motivate black students and help shape the workforce of the future.
Anti-racism in pedagogy also featured in our month’s activities. Colleagues from the Occupational Therapy department at Brunel, University of London featured on a podcast on ‘colour-evasive ideologies in the hidden curriculum’. They shared best practice through co-production with students to address the underlying racism within the hidden curriculum, with contributions from students Mandy and Zeth. In another podcast, colleagues from Oxford Brookes discussed a pioneering project on anti-racism simulation in education, which gives students the chance to reflect on some fascinating simulated scenarios of racism in practice.
We also heard a valued perspective from students of our 150 Leaders Student Leadership Programme. An international student, Divanshi, from University of Roehampton shared her experience of racism in practice, and the importance of peer support. Another student, Emma, from Leicester University wrote a blog on allyship and how self-education is vital.
We encourage you to explore our series of blogs, on important and topical themes from diverse dermatology, inclusive practice in education, UK disparities in maternal and child health and intersectionality of neurodiversity and race, from our esteemed members. There are also blogs on the work of the Council’s Strategic Policy Groups and the work of the Clinical Academic Research Network.
This Race Equity Month has been a captivating insight into the work of the Council and its members on the work that has been done, and still needs to be done, on increasing equity in practice. We would like to thank all contributors, and hope that you have enjoyed delving into our diverse set of materials and activities.
Please watch our closing video: