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The Current Landscape

The riots that swept across England in August 2024 brought more than just fear and uncertainty: for many NHS colleagues, they reopened old wounds and forced difficult conversations to the surface. While responses across the health service varied, the events offered all of us a moment for reflection: to consider both the privileges we hold and the personal responsibility we share in challenging incivility and discrimination.

Against the backdrop of growing global polarisation around equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), it is sadly no surprise that NHS data continues to highlight persistent challenges. The 2024 NHS Staff Survey revealed that only 56% of staff feel their organisation acts fairly when it comes to career progression or promotion, regardless of protected characteristics. Alarmingly, 9% reported experiencing discrimination from managers or colleagues, a figure unchanged from 2023.

The picture is equally concerning for trainees. According to the 2024 National Education and Training Survey (NETS), 16% of learners reported experiencing bullying or harassment, and worryingly, only 30% felt able to report it, though this figure is, at least, slowly increasing.

When faced with statistics like these, it can feel as though current NHS initiatives to improve EDI are falling short. But behind every number lies a story: a dedicated NHS professional whose voice deserves to be heard. And the impact of these experiences is not only personal, but also profoundly linked to the safety and wellbeing of the patients we care for.

Reciprocal Mentoring Programme (RMP) — East of England

The Reciprocal Mentoring Programme (RMP) in the East of England has continued to grow following the success of its 2023 launch. Based on participant feedback, the 2024 programme expanded to welcome trainees, senior educators, and managers, offering not only one-to-one mentoring but also masterclasses from leading healthcare voices and Action Learning Sets.

The response has been deeply encouraging, with participants showing real shifts in behaviour, challenging the status quo, and driving positive change within their organisations.

‘At first, due to my background, I really couldn't see how I fit into the group or what I could contribute that would make any difference or what I could gain […]

Today I took the opportunity to speak and listen to feedback, which was eye-opening on so many levels.  I felt heard, not feeling heard is a common complaint in many NHS organisations..

From the very first meeting […] I realised things now are very different, I won't get fired if I speak up […]

(RMP Participant)

As we look ahead to 2025, our aim remains the same: to nurture a supportive community of individuals who are open to listening, reflecting, and exploring the often uncomfortable truths of bias, cultural influences, and privilege — and in doing so, help create meaningful change.

The Commitment - A Memorandum of Understanding

Our ask is simple. 

Sign-up (This form)

Match-up (Make the most of your match)

Show-up (Two in-person days are mandatory, most of the rest is virtual)

Speak-up (Show everyone what you did at the end of program)

What's the commitment?         

• 4 one-to-one mentoring sessions with your matching mentor/mentee (online or in-person, arranged flexibly with your mentoring partner)
• Group Sessions: 
  • 4 July 2025 (all day event, time TBC) - Induction in-person at Victoria House (Cambridge). 
  • 10 September 2025 (all day event, time TBC) - In-person event at Victoria House
  • 14 October 2025 (PM only) - Online Action Learning Set afternoon
  • 12 November 2025 (all day event, time TBC) - Online end of programme event

By joining you commit to

A- Exploring and challenging your biases, prejudices and perceptions

B- Engaging with the Programme

C- Respecting the rules of engagement

D- Journaling your journey

E- Reporting your achievement

Our commitment to you

We will provide the platform, the learning tools and coaching facilities, and the governance structure.

Recruitment Window Closes - 30th of June

Apply on - https://forms.office.com/e/MxyejVYHhq

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