Becoming an anti-racism ally involves an ongoing commitment to learning, self-reflection, and taking action to challenge and dismantle systemic racism. Here are some steps to help you become a more effective anti-racism ally:

1. Educate Yourself:

   Read the reports and our current reporting policies 

   • GMC Ethical hub: Racism in the workplace

   • BMA: Delivering racial equality in medicine

   • NHS Lothian BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) Network [Internet] [Intranet]

   • NHS Once for Scotland Policy Bullying and Harrassment

   • Equality and Human Rights Commission Technical Guidance: Sexual Harassment and Harassment at work

   • University of Edinburgh Race Equality

   • NES Scotland Deanery Advancing equity in medical education

2. Acknowledge and Respect Differences:

   • Acknowledge individual differences and seek to understand the lived experiences of colleagues

   • Listen actively to the experiences of people of color without dismissing or invalidating their feelings (the video below from East of England NHS is a good start)

   • Be aware of factors that might adversely affect communication e.g. use of colloquialisms. Work on correct pronunciation of names.

3. Listen and Amplify Voices:

   • Use your platform to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized and overlooked

   • Reflect on your own privilege and how it may contribute to systemic inequalities

   • Be willing to confront your biases and challenge stereotypes

   • Create space for diverse voices to be heard

4. Challenge bad behaviour:

   • Speak up against microaggressions and racist comments when you encounter them. This can be done in a non-confrontational way by simply asking, “What did you mean by that?” Or “Can I check what you mean by that?”. This gives the person opportunity to reflect, or at times correct, clumsy, inappropriate or harmful language.

   • Use of “I” statements: Focus attention on how the action or behaviour made you feel rather than labelling the behaviour or person. This increases the likelihood that they are able to hear you and learn. “I felt really uncomfortable and worried when I heard the comment you made during that meeting” “I think I just heard you say XYZ. Can you explain what you mean by that?”

   • When given the opportunity attend Active Bystander Training or similar

5. Be an Ally in the Workplace:

   • Advocate for diversity and inclusion in your workplace

   • If you witness discrimination speak up and report it. See our links for doctors in training and undergraduates here

NHS Lothian Equality and Diversity pages [intranet]

Journey to Justice has a comprehensive list of anti-racism resources updated by their members, volunteers and supporters

What is Allyship? Centre for Creative Leadership

How much do you need to know to be an ally? Harvard Business Review

What are Microaffirmations? The power of tiny acts of inclusion

How to be an ally in the workplace – 13 Ideas

Just Ignore It - Anti-Racism Film (5:38)