RCSLT anti-racism updates

Supporting our members to be actively anti-racist

• Our anti-racism reference group is the driving force behind all our work. It is now well established and meets regularly. The members on it are shaping our approach.
• In May 2021, we held an anti-racism learning event for the whole profession. A collection of learning materials from the event are available to download and use in your workplace.
• We have provided guidance for members on raising concerns. While we are not a union, we have and will step in to support members.
• Our website resources are growing – they include an online resources hub, reading list and online discussion forum, all there to support members to learn and connect.

Diversity in the workforce

• We’ve reviewed all our communications channels and are focusing on diversity of images and voices. Our Focus on Diversity column in Bulletin showcases all the fantastic work members are doing.
• We are creating new careers promotion resources that include stories from members from many different backgrounds. Members from the anti-racism reference group are attending virtual careers fairs to talk to prospective students about the profession.
• We’re improving our member database so we can collect more data on diversity and have a clearer picture of the membership.
• We’re bringing together a group of universities to work together to improve the student experience, and we’re also updating our placement guidance.
• Our governance is under review too, with the aim of identifying ways to increase diversity on our Board of Trustees. In November 2021, members voted to overhaul our Board elections, which carry a risk of unconscious bias, and our new Nominations Committee was established.

Meeting the needs of our diverse populations

• We’ve brought together clinical excellence networks and universities to work to embed culturally appropriate practice in education and across all areas of practice. We’re also learning from our colleagues in other countries.
• We’re providing guidance on culturally appropriate care for members, including through the anti-racism event and by promoting existing guidance on bilingualism and health inequalities.
• We’re identifying gaps and how to fill these – for example, what research and evidence is needed; what more do we need in the way of materials and resources?

In 2021, we asked our members to complete a survey as part of our Anti-racism learning events.  Researched and written by SLT student and EDI rep at Reading University, Chloe Nkomo,  the report  is a result of a successful bid for joint funding between Reading University and the RCSLT.

• Read the Anti-racism survey report in full (PDF)
• Read the Anti Racism survey report appendix data in full (PDF)