The First Annual EDI Learner Assembly

What we did

HEE held its inaugural Equality, Diversity and Inclusion National Learner Assembly, an important progression in our commitment to supporting our diverse learners. The Assembly brought together HEE senior leaders and front-line trainees who had initially responded to HEE’s call for evidence following the Black Lives Matter movement in the Summer of 2020.

HEE’s EDI Learner Assembly was designed for trainees to meet, discuss and work with HEE nationally to raise and address concerns around equality and inclusion. Chaired by learners, for learners, in collaboration with senior leaders at HEE to address these matters and implement changes.

Our inaugural event was held on 26 May 2021, just after the anniversary of George Floyd’s death. It was attended by our chief executive, Dr Navina Evans, and the Co-Chair of Health Education England Deans, Prof. Namita Kumar, who both gave keynote speeches outlining their experiences of the importance of diverse leadership. These were followed by an interactive roundtable discussion with over 70 participants. Trainees’ personal stories were actively heard and reflected upon. A range of themes emerged, including EDI in recruitment processes, clinical supervision and flexible training options. Some individuals shared experiences of differential attainment, systemic racism and undermining behaviours and more detailed dialogue has continued with those attendees to learn from their lived experiences. 

What we learnt

Importantly, examples of good practice and positive experiences were highlighted and this platform provided an ideal opportunity to share these. Overall, attendees from across the country were highly interactive and supportive of each other, exchanging the challenges they faced and how they may have overcome them, creating a sense of interpersonal camaraderie. We anticipate continuing to work together to make beneficial change through future Assemblies.

Issues raised at the EDI Learner Assembly:

1. Clear guidance at induction on how to escalate concerns both within the employer and the local office so that Postgraduate Deans and their teams remain sighted.
2. That naming or investigating a concern under a ‘Dignity at Work Policy’ does not immediately reassure the individual that their complaint of bullying, undermining or discrimination will be recognised as such.
3. Timely investigation and communications.
4. Differences between Revalidation and ARCP processes made clear to doctors in training.
5. That visa sponsorship rules on salary thresholds may preclude some doctors training LTFT, which may be a form of indirect discrimination.

What we will do

The EDI Learner Assembly will continue to provide a platform for trainees and educators to be heard directly at HEE National, ensuring the values of EDI remain integral to our policy and quality.