NHS England Deans’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Summary 2024

Introduction by Professor Namita Kumar, Regional Postgraduate Dean and Chair of the English Deans’ EDI Committee.

In 2020, the English Deans’ established the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee whose remit was to consider EDI-related issues raised in multiprofessional education and training. This was in line with their Multiprofessional Quality responsibilities and the Education Quality Strategy and Framework. In January 2022, an inaugural EDI annual report was published describing how  information and feedback would be brought together to understand what NHS England do well and what we have yet to do.

Our 2023 EDI annual report built on progress and areas of focus. This 2024 summary provides an update to drive forward action. The summary is aimed at internal colleagues within NHS England and stakeholders involved in education and training of learners and educators.

The ambition of significantly increasing education and training set out in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan makes this priority even more important. In addition, the Enhancing Doctors’ Working Lives Annual Report recognises the significant importance of work and training systems on the lives of doctors in training. 

We must ensure high-quality education and training that is equitable and inclusive is available to all healthcare professionals at each stage of their career. Tackling discrimination and ensuring learners are placed in safe and supportive environments needs to remain an urgent priority to develop a sustainable future workforce.

Each year, NHS England runs the National Education and Training Survey (NETS) and Provider Self-Assessment (SA). NETS provides measures of learner satisfaction, available opportunities and the frequency of bullying and harassment. Self-Assessment provides an understanding of the actions being taken to address emerging concerns by the large placement providers across England.