The three-year plan, which was developed in partnership with NHS Forth Valley's Ethnic Diversity Staff Network and approved by the NHS Forth Valley Board, sets out practical, sustained actions to support a safe, open, inclusive and supportive environment across local health services.

Bringing together a range of measures focused on prevention, early reporting and effective support, the plan includes guidance and training for staff, strengthened reporting and response arrangements, as well as improved access to advice and support for anyone affected by racism or discriminatory behaviour.

The actions have been shaped by feedback from staff, trade union partners and patient representatives, alongside national best practice from across NHS Scotland.

The health board's key priorities are to:

• Improve service access, experience and outcomes – by working closely with local communities and partners to identify, prevent and address any potential inequalities in the way local health services are accessed, designed, delivered and experienced. This includes work to support national priorities linked to Type 2 diabetes, perinatal care and mental health services.
• Strengthen the experience and wellbeing of our workforce – by fostering a workplace culture in which diversity is valued, wellbeing is prioritised and every colleague is supported to perform at their best. This includes work to deliver a wide range of training and support, expand NHS Forth Valley's Ethnic Diversity Staff Network and ensure staff feel confident and safe to speak up and report racism and discrimination.
• Empower communities and partnerships – by working alongside minority ethnic communities to hear and act on their experiences and feedback and working with partner organisations to develop joint solutions that will improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
• Ensure visible leadership and shared accountability at all levels – through active engagement in staff networks, equality events and community partnerships, oversight of progress at governance committees and the creation of an Anti-Racism senior allyship role to provide visible leadership and advocacy at the highest level.
• Use data and evidence to drive change and improvement – this includes work to improve the way ethnicity and equality information is collected and analysed to identify trends, inform decision-making and build a fuller understanding of the experiences of local staff and service users.
• Learn, reflect and share – through work to monitor, measure and report on progress, evaluate the impact of our actions, contribute to the delivery of national plans and priorities and share best practice NHS Boards through shared learning and collaboration.

Neena Mahal, chair of NHS Forth Valley, said: ‘Creating an anti-racist organisation and taking action to address racism and discrimination is fundamental to having an inclusive, compassionate culture which values diversity. 

‘This plan demonstrates our commitment to ensure that everyone who works in, or receives care from our organisation feels safe, valued and supported. We will also continue to listen, learn and act on feedback and the experiences of our staff and communities to help shape further changes and improvements.'

Ross McGuffie, chief executive of NHS Forth Valley, added: ‘Our staff deliver high-quality care every day, often in challenging circumstances, and they deserve a working environment where racism and any other form of discrimination have no place.

‘We are therefore committed to working with colleagues, partners and communities to ensure our organisation remains inclusive, respectful and focused on the health and wellbeing of everyone we serve.'