Race and ethnicity

We are dedicated to fighting against race inequality for our patients, carers, members, staff and in wider society.

Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people experience inequalities in the UK, which often lead to inequalities in health. In the past year the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people from ethnic minority groups and the appalling death of George Floyd in the US have highlighted the injustice and inequity that exist in our society.

The independent review of the Mental Health Act 1983, led by former RCPsych President Professor Sir Simon Wessely, published in 2018, found that profound inequalities exist for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in access to treatment, experiences of care and outcomes.

In addition, the review heard that Black adults are more likely than adults in other ethnic groups to have been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Our Equality Action Plan, which promotes equality and equitable outcomes for people within the College and across mental health services regardless of their characteristics and background, contains 29 key actions, which will be rolled out between now and the end of 2023.

Our best practice for improving equalities page contains information relating COVID-19 risk mitigation for Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff in mental healthcare settings as well as other resources relating to racism and discrimination.

For more information please email equality@rcpsych.ac.uk.