Overall, around 14% of NHS staff are from ethnic minority groups, which is above figures for the population in England.  However, the figures by occupation vary:

• 2% for ambulance staff
• 7% for allied health professionals
• 40% in the medical and dental workforce

The medical and dental workforce has a high percentage of staff from an Asian or Asian British background.  At consultant level the share of ethnic minority groups drops down to 23%.  A study among medical practitioners found that ethnicity is an issue in terms of access to training and in particular career advancement.  At executive board level, the share of ethnic minority groups increased slightly from 3% to 7.5% between 2000 and 2004.

The health sector in London attracts a higher percentage of employees from black and ethnic minority groups, particularly nursing auxiliaries (54%), nurses (42%) and pharmacists (39%).

Source: NHS medical and non-medical census 2005 and Cook et al. 2003

Initiative addressing ethnicity in the NHS workforce:

Breaking through Programme for Black and minority ethnic staff in the NHS

Launched in 2003, the programme offers development activities for Black and Minority Ethnic staff aspiring to progress into leadership roles. The programme offers the opportunity for individuals to develop personal development plans based on clear and objective diagnostic tools. It provides development activities which will support career planning and progression, develop leadership skills and capabilities, and provide the space to engage with and understand the issues facing Black and minority ethnic staff in the NHS.