At Transformation Partners in Health and Care (TPHC), we recognise that being anti-racist isn’t something that you ‘complete’ – it’s a long-term journey, and everyone will be at different stages on that journey.
Last week, as we marked Race Equality Week 2026, we were doing more than just checking off a date in the calendar. We have officially launched our anti-racism statement: a public commitment to dismantling racial barriers and fostering a safe, equitable environment for our staff, clients and partners, and the communities they serve.
Why Action Matters More Than Words
The theme for this year’s Race Equality Week was ‘Change needs all of us’, and it was a timely reminder that the responsibility for equity shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of those from the global majority.
In a 2025 poll by Race Equality Matters, only 35% of respondents felt their organisation was focusing on actions rather than just words. We refuse to be part of the 65% that remains stagnant. Through our corporate strategy, we have set a clear ambition for our workforce to be racially diverse at every level.
Insight from our team: Our anti-racism journey
At TPHC, we’ve been on our anti-racism journey for a little while. We commissioned BRAP to facilitate learning sessions. These sessions were for all staff to increase confidence and competence in anti-racism theory, practice, concepts and frameworks.
Following the BRAP training, our Inclusion Steering Group created a list of recommended anti-racism resources which staff could read, listen to, watch, take part in, or people and organisations to follow.
On Thursday, as part of Race Equality Week, we hosted an internal ‘Lunch and Learn’ session where colleagues shared their progress, commitments for the future, and resources which have resonated with them on their anti-racism journeys.
Real actions taken so far
Our team isn’t just reading; they are doing. Some of the tangible steps our colleagues have shared include:
- Embedding equity in policy: Regularly conducting Equality and Health Inequality Impact Assessments (EHIA) on projects to ensure no community is left behind.
- Active bystander training: Equipping staff with the tools to challenge racism and microaggressions in real-time.
- Normalising the conversation: From discussing anti-racism videos with family members to running inclusive community groups, our team is taking action both inside and outside of the office.
Our commitments for the future
The journey doesn’t end with a statement. Our team has committed to:
- Amplify global majority voices: Ensuring that we aren’t just ‘listening,’ but actively centring the voices of those with lived experience in our decision-making.
- Self-reflection: Moving past the ‘I’ve done the work’ mindset. One colleague said: “If I haven’t read or learnt something about anti-racism in three months, it moves to the top of my list.”
- Accountability in leadership: Making anti-racism a permanent agenda item in senior team meetings, ensuring it remains an integral part of our operational DNA.
A shared list: Resources to help you on your journey
If you are looking to start or deepen your own anti-racism journey, here are some top recommendations from our team and our Inclusion Steering Group:
To read:
- Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala – A look at British history and identity.
- Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge – A foundational text for understanding the UK context.
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad – A practical guide for personal reflection.
To watch & listen:
- Not-racist v anti-racist (BBC Bitesize) – John Amaechi confirms the difference in this short video.
- The Danger of a Single Story (TED Talk) – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores how limited narratives can dehumanise.
- Don’t call people out, call people in (TED Talk) – Loretta J. Ross shares the limitation for learning in ‘cancel culture’ and an alternative way, leading with love.
- 13th (Netflix) – A powerful documentary on the history of the US prison system and racial control.
- It’s a Continent – A podcast that breaks down African history and the impact of Western narratives in an easy, satirical format.
- Empire with David Olusoga – (BBC iPlayer) – A documentary exploring the rise, impact and legacy of the British Empire.
To follow & engage:
- Race Equality Matters: home of Race Equality Week, the 5-day challenge, and the ‘my name is’ campaign – encouraging phonetic spelling of names in the workplace.
- NHS Race and Health Observatory: For data-driven insights into health inequalities.
The road ahead
Our anti-racism statement is our commitment, it is our standard of good practice, and we invite our clients, partners, and peers to hold us to it.
Change needs all of us. All of us can take action, and no action is too small to spark change.