1 in 5 BAME NHS Managers Plan to Quit Amid Racism
A report by the NHS Alliance found that one in five black, Asian and minority ethnic NHS managers in England plan to quit due to racism, with almost four-fifths having experienced racism, exclusion, and obstacles to career progression
One in five black, Asian and minority ethnic NHS managers in England plan to quit the NHS in the next three years, according to a report by the NHS Alliance. The report, which surveyed 950 BAME managers, found that almost four-fifths of managers from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds have experienced racism, exclusion, and obstacles to progressing in their careers.
The survey participants described a lack of diversity in senior leadership teams, exclusion from informal networks, and progression disparities. They reported being excluded from opportunities for career advancement and feeling undervalued in their roles. The NHS Alliance warned that the findings are “further evidence of the corrosive and demoralising impact of racism in the NHS” and risk a “haemorrhaging” of managers and senior leaders from BAME backgrounds.
Sir Ciarán Devane, the NHS Alliance's chief executive, said that the diversity of the NHS's leadership is more important than ever due to political and cultural polarisation. He warned that the NHS faces a “very real risk of senior minority ethnic colleagues walking away, discouraged, disheartened and disillusioned” and that this represents a huge loss of talent from the NHS.
Despite initiatives to tackle discrimination, the report found that enduring institutional and structural racism has produced little meaningful change. The proportion of BAME members of NHS boards has risen from 7.1% in 2016 to 17.3% in 2025, but the report highlights the need for greater diversity in the NHS's leadership.
## Why it matters The exodus of BAME managers from the NHS has significant implications for the healthcare system. The loss of talented and experienced leaders could compromise the quality of care provided to patients and undermine the NHS's ability to respond to the needs of diverse communities. The report's findings also highlight the need for greater accountability and action to address the systemic and institutional barriers that prevent BAME staff from progressing in their careers.
The NHS Alliance's report serves as a wake-up call for the NHS to take concrete steps to address the issue of racism and promote greater diversity and inclusion in its leadership. By failing to do so, the NHS risks losing valuable talent and compromising its ability to provide high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their background.
