BMA - Equality and diversity

Equality and diversity

People differ from each other in many ways – such as ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion and belief, education, values, physical ability, mental capacity, personality, experiences, and the way in which they approach work. Acknowledging, understanding, and appreciating these differences, and developing a workplace that enhances their value, creates a motivating and rewarding work environment.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is committed to ensuring that its members are able to practise in a safe and non-discriminatory environment. Doctors should treat their colleagues and patients with respect regardless of their age, colour, culture, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, lifestyle, marital, parental or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or social or economic circumstance.

Work on equality and diversity is led by the BMA's equal opportunities committee. The BMA has produced a number of resources for doctors and employers on equality and diversity. These aim to give guidance on best practice, the legal requirements, and provide valuable sources of information for doctors. Guidance covering multiple areas of diversity is shown below and specific guidance is listed under the relevant diversity strand.

A celebration of black, minority and ethnic doctors
To mark October 2008's Black History Month, the BMA is chronicling the experiences of black and minority ethnic (BME) doctors.

Blackhistorymonth2008
EOC co-chairs invite BMA members to share their experiences as part of a resource for Black history month.

Equality and diversity education
This briefing examines equality and diversity in medical education, in response to the NHS Employers' partnership action plan 'Equal values: equal outcomes'

Career barriers in medicine: doctors' experiences
A report for all who have strategic and operational responsibilities for the career progression of doctors.

Demography of medical schools
This paper is intended to outline the current demography of medical schools and to highlight important questions for further discussion and research.

Diversity for Doctors: towards solutions to the major equality and diversity challenges faced by doctors
A report of the conference jointly organised by NHS Employers, the GMC and the BMA and held on 28 March 2006.

Equality and diversity: Improving the working lives of doctors.
In April 2006 BMA Northern Ireland undertook research into a number of equality and diversity issues of importance to members.

Equality and the medical profession: BMA statement
The BMA is committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination and the removal of barriers to career progression throughout the medical profession.

Examining equality - A survey of royal college examinations
A report focussing on the equal opportunities monitoring of candidates and examiners, and on the equality and diversity training provided to examiners by the royal colleges.

Guidance for medical students on harassment, intimidation, victimisation and bullying
A guide aimed at students who are experiencing problems in their medical schools in the form of harassment, intimidation, victimisation or bullying.

Non-discriminatory language guidance
Guidance to promote good practice in using language in an inclusive way - which shows respect for, and sensitivity towards, all members of the community.

Selection for specialty training
Entry to academic, specialist and general practice training should be on a fair, flexible and competitive basis, and on clear, uniform and UK-wide principles.