Across our Group, we are united in our commitment to actively identify, challenge, and oppose racism in all its forms. Anti-racism is rooted in action. It requires collective responsibility and sustained effort, not passive acceptance, or silence.

Being anti-racist goes beyond simply being “non-racist.” It means taking deliberate and ongoing action to address both structural and individual racism, recognising the harm it causes to our colleagues, patients and services, and working together to remove barriers to fairness, inclusion, and opportunity.

As a group of NHS organisations, we acknowledge that racism, antisemitism and islamophobia can operate at personal, organisational, and systemic levels. We are committed to challenging it wherever it exists, supporting one another with care and compassion, and holding ourselves accountable for creating inclusive, respectful, and equitable environments across all our sites and services.

We also recognise that antisemitism is a form of racism. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust support the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, which states:

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

We are committed to challenging antisemitism wherever it occurs and to ensuring that Jewish colleagues, patients, and communities feel safe, respected, and valued across our organisations.

Through shared leadership, open dialogue, and consistent action, we will continue to strengthen our culture, improve experiences, and ensure that dignity, respect, and equality are embedded in everything we do.