South London and Maudsley become first London NHS Trust to sign anti-racism charter

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has become the first NHS trust in London to sign UNISON’s anti-racism charter.   

The charter, which aims to tackle racism in the public sector, commits organisations and their leaders to having a race equality policy and a programme of anti-racism initiatives.

The trust employs 6,000 staff who serve a 1.3million people across Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Croydon through inpatient wards as well as outpatient and community services.

Chief executive of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, David Bradley, said: “There is no place for racism in our organisation or society. 

“We hope this charter will help us foster a culture of respect, understanding and empathy, where every individual feels valued and empowered regardless of their race, ethnicity or background.”  

Pictured top: From left, UNISON Branch Secretary Michelle Davis, Chair of South London and Maudsley NHS Trust Norman Lamb, trust chief executive David Bradley, UNISON branch chair Arleen Elson and chief people’s officer Sue Smith (Picture: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust)