Our collaboration resulted in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) becoming the first Integrated Care Board in the country to earn the race equality code quality mark, demonstrating their commitment to taking concrete actions and being accountable for creating meaningful change in addressing race inequality and adopting inclusivity.

Background

Our Inclusion Unit was approached by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide support in attaining the race equality code quality mark. This code offers organisations of all sizes and sectors an opportunity to address race inequality within their boardrooms and senior leadership teams. It combines current best practices with innovative thinking to create lasting and transformative change. The code’s “apply and explain” approach allows organisations to describe how they will meet the standards based on their specific circumstances.

Action

Our team supported the comprehensive review of the ICB’s strategic documentation, equality, diversity, and inclusion practices, as well as related documentation, to ensure alignment with the standards of the race equality code. We provided valuable insights and evidence to help embed race equality across these areas, strengthening the ICB’s approach and showcasing their dedication to meaningful change. Additionally, we produced a detailed race equality code statement around the four key principles, which was the final requirement for attaining the quality mark.

Impact

As a result of our collaboration, the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB became the first Integrated Care Board in the country to be awarded the quality mark by RSM, a leading provider of audit, tax, and consulting services. This achievement demonstrated the ICB’s commitment to taking concrete actions and being accountable for creating change. The assessment process led to the identification of a range of short and long-term actions that will be implemented over the next three years. These actions form a significant part of the ICB’s 2023-2024 equality action plan, demonstrating their proactive approach to addressing race inequality and adopting an inclusive environment.

Feedback

“I am absolutely delighted that the ICB has achieved the quality mark, particularly being the first ICB to be awarded by RSM. This is a testament to the hard work put into the submission to demonstrate real actions and accountability to create change.”

 Alex Brett |  Chief People Officer | ICB