Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust launched its Anti‑Racism and Incivility Charter to mark Race Equality Week (2–8 February 2026), aiming to tackle racism and low‑level incivility across its hospitals in Luton and Bedford. The Charter sets out behavioural standards for staff, patients and visitors and forms part of a wider equality, diversity and inclusion programme.
The move follows a 2024 Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection that rated the Trusts maternity services “inadequate” and found that some international midwives reported discrimination had become “normalised.” Local reporting has noted the Trust has publicly pledged that racism and discrimination have no place in its hospitals.
According to the Trusts programme and the Reporters Briefing, the rollout includes mandatory Active Bystander training for the Trusts 10,000+ staff and the introduction of an anonymous “Civility Reporting” portal so employees can report incidents without fear. The measures are intended to support retention of a diverse workforce, including many staff from overseas.
Previous reporting recorded that some staff said discriminatory behaviour had become “normalised” in parts of the organisation. The Trust plans a “Charter Mark” system by which departments can demonstrate inclusive practice and receive recognition or support.
David Carter, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This Charter is a visible statement of our commitment to being actively anti‑racist — not just in words, but in action. It forms part of a long‑term, organisation‑wide programme of work to embed equity, inclusion and justice into everything we do.”
The Trust says it hopes these steps will improve staff morale and make its hospitals safer and more welcoming for patients and the whole community.
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