Anti-Racism at MWL

Racism exists in society, in healthcare, and here at MWL. It exists in the stories and experiences we hear from staff and patients; it exists in the statistics on health inequalities; and it exists in the systems, processes, and assumptions that have been built over time — often unintentionally - but with real and harmful consequences.

For us as a Trust, anti-racism is not an optional extra, it is central to delivering 5 Star Patient Care and in living our values: We are Kind, We are Open, We are Inclusive.

The NHS serves all communities and our patients, their families, and our colleagues bring with them a rich variety of cultures, languages, and lived experiences. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths — but only if everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. Racism, whether overt or subtle, damages the trust between patients and clinicians, it impacts on the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, and it drives inequality in access, in treatment, and in outcomes.

What is Anti-Racism?

In this short videos, John Amaechi, powerfully explains the difference between simply ‘not being racist’ and actively being anti-racist — and why that distinction matters for all of us.

Who we are

Our MWL family is both ethnically, internationally, linguistically, and religiously diverse. Everyone brings their unique experiences and perspectives to our Trust and we are proud to say that this enriches us. Find out more about who we are by reading this summary infographic.

More details statistical data can be found within the Annual Workforce EDI data report, the Annual Patient EDI data report, and the Annual WRES report.

MWL Anti-Racism Statement and Commitment

Anti-Racism matters for us here at MWL because it’s about ensuring that every patient and every carer — regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, language, or immigration status — receives the same high-quality care, the same respect, and the same opportunity to be heard; and it’s about making sure every member of staff feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.

Our Anti-Racism Statement sets out 7 Key Principles that we will uphold:

• Listen and Transform – Listening to our staff, patients, and communities — and acting on what we hear.
• Lead with Accountability – Making anti-racism a leadership priority with clear responsibilities.
• Zero Tolerance to Racism – Taking prompt, decisive action on racist behaviour or discrimination.
• Value Ethnic Diversity – Recognising and celebrating the contribution of our diverse workforce and communities.
• Dismantle Barriers – Removing the systems and structures that allow racism to persist.
• Equitable Patient Experience – Guaranteeing fair access, care, and support for all.
• Be Transparent and Measurable – Tracking our progress and being open about it.

Read the Full Statement and Commitment below:

Workforce Race Equality Standard

The Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) is an NHS tool used to review how inclusive and fair our workplace is for staff from ethnic minority backgrounds. Based on the analysis of workforce data sets including population, recruitment, and the staff survey, the WRES asks us to reflect on challenges, and identify opportunities to advance anti-racism.

Read the MWL WRES reports on this page, and for further information visit the NHS WRES website.

North West Anti-Racism Framework

We are a proud member of the North West Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) Assembly, and are working to achieve the key principles of the NW Anti-Racism Framework – to prioritise anti-racism, understand the lived experience, grow inclusive leaders, act to tackle inequalities, and to regularly review progress.

Further information please visit the NW BAME Assembly website.

For further information please contact equality&diversity@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk