The award follows a detailed assessment of how DBTH supports colleagues, listens to concerns, challenges discrimination and takes a proactive approach to tackling racism. The assessment also covered the Trust’s work with a patient safety engagement group in maternity services.
Bronze status is the first level in the framework and reflects important foundations being put in place, rather than a finished piece of work.
Anti-racism means actively working to prevent discrimination, challenge unfair treatment and make sure people are treated with dignity and respect. It goes beyond simply “not being racist” and focuses on building fair systems, positive behaviours and inclusive cultures.
Around 80% of DBTH colleagues identify as White British, with around 20% from other ethnic backgrounds. This diversity brings different skills, experiences and perspectives, and makes it even more important that everyone feels respected, supported and able to progress in their chosen field.
DBTH’s Bronze award reflects strong leadership at Board level, ongoing cultural awareness work, support for colleagues’ career development, and good practice through partnerships such as The Changing Lives project with the midwifery team.
The organisation has also been involved in wider community work, including the Doncaster Anti-Racism Partnership, which was previously shortlisted for a national award for its collaborative approach.
Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer at DBTH, said: “We are proud to be the first Trust locally to achieve this recognition, and we are clear that this is only the beginning. Bronze status shows that we have built strong foundations, not that the job is done. Tackling racism takes long-term commitment, honest conversations and a willingness to listen and learn.
“Around one in five of our colleagues come from ethnic minority backgrounds, and it is vital that everyone feels valued, heard and supported to succeed here.
“This recognition is not an end point. It is a starting point for continued improvement, learning and accountability, and we are determined to keep raising our standards for our colleagues and our communities.”
The achievement supports the organisation’s People Plan, which focuses on looking after colleagues, helping them develop and making DBTH a great place to work. It also reflects the DBTH Way and its We Care values, which emphasise kindness, respect, teamwork and doing the right thing.
Over the coming years, DBTH plans to continue working towards higher levels in the framework by strengthening its approach, listening carefully to colleagues’ experiences and embedding inclusive practice into everyday work.
