Board to get anti-racism training as CQC orders cultural improvements

Regulators have told the agency that supplies blood to the NHS to develop a more inclusive culture, after hearing multiple reports of ethnic minority staff being ‘disrespected’ and discriminated against.

“Many staff” at NHS Blood and Transplant also expressed fear of reprisal for raising issues and concerns, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said.

The CQC carried out a “well-led” inspection of the agency over the summer, after receiving concerns about its culture and the behaviour of some senior leaders.

Chief executive Betsy Bassis resigned after the inspection, although the CQC report does not refer to any specific allegations made against her.

NHSBT has acknowledged it needs to improve its culture, particularly around diversity and inclusion issues. An internal memo sent to staff last week, seen by HSJ, said executives and board members would receive one-to-one training in “inclusive leadership and understanding racism”.

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Source: HSJ, 27 October 2022