Shuri Network

The NHS and social care draw on a remarkably rich diversity of people to provide care to our patients. But we fall short in valuing their contributions and ensuring fair treatment and respect.

Over 25% of the NHS workforce are from minority ethnic groups and 77% are women. We all use technology daily to care for patients, and this has become even more crucial over the last few years. However, there are less than 5 women of colour in executive or director level non-clinical digital leadership roles such as CIO and CTO roles across >200 NHS trusts, GP Federations and national organisations. We are helping the NHS develop a leadership pipeline that more closely reflects our workforce – something NHS England and ICSs have pledged to do.

We now have over 4000 members and allies from all backgrounds including underrepresented groups in digital leadership such as nurses, social workers, midwives and AHPs. Organizations including trusts and NHS England have sought our advice on recruitment in order to improve equality. We provide women of colour with a voice and a platform to progress into leadership roles.