STUDY 5 - Giving voice to the lived experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff working in health and social care in BLMK progression

The Health and Social Care Oral History project aims to understand and record the career experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff working in health and social care across BLMK. The project focuses on staff experiences of career progression, particularly because fewer minority ethnic staff appear to be represented in senior roles. By listening directly to staff stories, the project will explore what has helped or prevented people from progressing in their careers.

Using an oral history approach, the study will collect personal career stories from NHS and social care staff. These stories will help identify the barriers people have faced, such as discrimination, lack of support, limited opportunities or challenges within workplace culture. The project will also highlight what has helped staff succeed, including mentoring, leadership support, training, inclusive policies and strong professional networks.

The project aims to give voice to staff whose experiences are often underrepresented in workforce planning and leadership discussions. Its findings will help BLMK better understand how to attract, support and retain a diverse health and social care workforce. In the longer term, the project will contribute to fairer career opportunities, stronger workforce development, and more inclusive services that better reflect and serve local communities.