NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB is committed to tackling racism in all its forms.
The following statements were agreed by the former NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex ICBs respectively. Going forward our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group will work with our staff networks, Equity Champions and system partners to develop a new statement that aligns to the new organisation’s vision and values. In the meantime, we stand firmly with the principles set out in these statements.
For more information on how to build an anti-racist culture in your healthcare organisation, please find more information via:
Seven Anti-Racism Principles and Briefings | NHS Race and Health Observatory
NHS Anti Racism | NHS Employers
April 2026
NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB - anti-racism statement
NHS England, NHS Surrey Heartlands and our voluntary sector partner Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) are committed to tackling racial hatred in all its forms. We stand with all our colleagues, workforce and residents of Surrey from ethnic minority communities and people of all faiths.
We have zero tolerance of racism and any discriminatory behaviour. We are committed to providing workplaces and services where everyone feels safe, valued and supported, regardless of the background, faith or identity.
In the UK the healthcare sector has always welcomed and relied on international recruits. Our workforce has always been ethnically diverse, contributing to a wide range of expertise and knowledge. Our NHS would not survive without the expertise and commitment of our international workforce. We value working alongside our voluntary, charitable, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) partners, many of whom provide services on behalf of the NHS. These valued doctors, healthcare and VCFSE workers must be allowed to care and support residents of Surrey without the threat of racism.
We are committed to creating services which welcome and respect our diverse cultures and faiths of the people of Surrey. Surrey Heartlands will continue to prioritise working in partnership with our ethnic minority communities and VCSFE partners, and to build inclusive services which are respectful of all cultures and faiths.
If you are a service user and have experienced racism during your NHS care within Surrey Heartlands, please contact the Patients Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for the health organisation providing your care. Details for organisations can be found on Connect to Support Surrey.
If you are a healthcare staff member who has experienced racism within your workplace, speak to your line manager or Freedom to Speak Up Guardian.
NHS Sussex ICB - anti-racism statement
There is no place for racism in Sussex. We recognise the impact that racist behaviours have on our workforce are devastating. It is our responsibility to create safe, inclusive and supporting work environments and stamp racism when we see it.
We stand firmly together with our partners in being committed to tackling institutional and interpersonal racism in all its forms. We commit to listening, monitoring and continually evaluating our practice because we recognise that good anti-racist practice for our workforce leads to better care for our patients and our population.