Anti-racism & EDI
Addressing unacceptable racial inequalities – including those suffered by black and minority ethnic communities – is one of the cornerstones of public health. Structural racism manifests on the wider determinants of health, from housing, jobs and economic stability to education and has a negative impact on health and wellbeing outcomes.
Life expectancy rates are lower amongst these groups, who also experience higher rates of chronic diseases and maternal mortality. The Faculty has recognised racism as a public health crisis, and its members are committed to speaking out against injustice and discrimination.
In line with our Focus Areas for Action, FPH will act as a clear, unequivocal, and effective champion for health and equity in all policies, tackle health inequalities, and promote a public health approach to anti-racism.
Our Anti-racism framework
FPH launched our Anti-racism Framework in 2023. This important publication, which we hope may guide other organisations to develop their anti-racism strategies, outlines our four commitments as an organisation to members, staff, and the wider community to becoming actively anti-racist:
- Recognise that structural racism exists and is harmful, and we will support ethnic minority staff.
- Act to redress racism and call out discrimination.
- Be transparent and accountable, and we will measure our progress.
- Use our unique position to influence the public health workforce and wider community.
Fair Training Culture
The Faculty is committed to training and supporting a diverse and inclusive public health workforce. Only by improving equity and fairness in the recruitment process can we ensure that we retain the best and brightest talent, that the specialised workforce is representative of the population it serves, and public health professionals are equipped with the cultural competences to gain a rich understanding of the background, perspectives, concerns, and needs of marginalised or disadvantaged communities.
FPH will continue to work with cross-sector partners to build a public health training system where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. We will do this by:
- Continuing to review and revise recruitment processes to reduce bias.
- Providing training and support to assessors to reduce bias.
- Collecting data on the ethnicity of applicants and appointments to track progress over time.
- Developing targeted support to disadvantaged groups.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
The FPH hosts an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Special Interest Group (SIG), which reports to our refreshed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
The SIG was established in September 2020 following a Faculty anti-racism event, and aims to ensure fairness and diversity in recruitment to the training scheme in the belief that a diverse workforce is a better workforce.
Further resources on Anti-racism
FPH Distinguished Lecture: A public health approach to tackling racism and structural discrimination – from rhetoric to impact
In the inaugural session of the Faculty’s Distinguished Lectures, we were joined by Professor Camara Jones, Leverhulme Visiting Professor in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at King’s College London. Professor Jones’ work focuses on naming, measuring, and addressing the impacts of racism on health and wellbeing around the world.
FPH Specialty Registrars Conference 2023
This hybrid event focused on the present and future of public health practice, including training opportunities and anti-racism in public health.
Professor Delan Devakumar's presentation slides
Dr Jennifer Yip's presentation slides
Dr Samia Latif's presentation slides
FPH Anti-Racism Seminar
During the first part of this seminar, Professor Kevin Fenton delivered his keynote address on embedding anti-racism in public health practice.
FPH Anti-Racism Seminar
During the second part of the seminar, Dr Nisreen Alwan delivered her plenary address on anti-racism in public health, reflecting on language and actions.
