CompletedObservational

Retaining NHS staff from ethnic minority and migrant groups

This research looks into why NHS staff from ethnic minority groups and those who have moved to the UK decide to stay in or leave their jobs. These groups make up a large part of the NHS workforce, but they can face more challenges like unfair treatment or slow career growth. The study will talk to staff and their managers to understand these experiences, both at work and in their personal lives. The goal is to find out what makes them stay or go, and then use this information to help the NHS keep these vital workers. If you're a healthcare worker who has left, is leaving, or considering leaving, or if you're a manager, you might be able to take part in an interview.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Retention of healthcare staff from ethnic minority groups

What is this study about?

This important study is looking into why healthcare staff in the NHS, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds or who have moved to the UK, choose to either stay in their jobs or leave them. These groups make up a significant part of the NHS – for example, a large number of doctors and nurses started their careers this way. Unfortunately, staff from these groups sometimes face difficult situations, like experiencing unfair treatment, getting lower pay, or having fewer chances to move up in their careers. The recent pandemic also affected these individuals more severely.

The main goal of this study is to understand these experiences better. Researchers will talk to staff and their managers to hear about what influences their decisions to stay or leave. This includes both things that happen at work and other parts of their lives that might play a role. By gathering these real-life stories, the study hopes to get a clear picture of the causes behind these decisions.

Ultimately, the findings from this research could be very useful for the NHS. By understanding the challenges and reasons why staff leave, the NHS can develop better ways to support these valuable employees, make their work lives better, and encourage them to continue their important work in healthcare. This could help keep more skilled and experienced staff in the NHS for everyone's benefit.

Key takeaways

A study to understand why some NHS staff stay or leave.
Focuses on staff from ethnic minority groups and those who have moved to the UK.
Involves confidential interviews with staff and managers.
Aims to improve support and retention for valuable NHS workers.
Your input could help shape better NHS policies.
Receive a £25 voucher for participating in an interview.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthcare workers who are 18 years old or older. You might be able to take part if you are currently working in an NHS Trust, have recently left your job, or are thinking about leaving your job.

They also want to speak with managers within the healthcare system who are involved in supervising staff. The researchers want to talk to a wide range of people from different backgrounds, job types, and areas of the country to get a full picture of everyone's experiences.

If you fit these descriptions and are willing to share your experiences, the study team would like to hear from you. Your insights are valuable to help them understand this important issue.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you a healthcare worker in the NHS?
Have you recently left your job, are you thinking of leaving, or are you a manager of healthcare staff?
Are you willing to share your experiences confidentially?
Do you identify with an ethnic minority group or have you moved to the UK to work in the NHS?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the first step is to register your details online and confirm you've read the study information. You’ll then complete a quick 5-minute form with some basic information about yourself, like your age, background, and job role, and if you plan to leave or have left your job. Based on this, they'll see if you're a good fit for an interview.

If selected, you'll be invited for a confidential interview, which will most likely happen online using Microsoft Teams, or possibly by phone or in person if arranged. During the interview, which will last about 45 minutes to an hour, you'll be asked open questions about your job and your thoughts on staying or leaving. Your responses will be recorded, and everything you say will be kept private and anonymous, meaning your personal details won't be shared. You can choose not to answer any questions you're uncomfortable with, and you can stop at any time. After the interview, you'll receive a £25 shopping voucher as a thank you. You might also be asked if you'd like to take part in future parts of the study, like group discussions, or to share your story.

Potential risks and benefits

There might not be a direct personal benefit to you from taking part, but your contribution could help the NHS understand how to better support staff from ethnic minority groups, potentially leading to improved policies for everyone. There are no known health risks involved. Some questions may touch on sensitive topics, which could be upsetting for some people, but you can skip any question you don't want to answer and can stop the interview at any time. The study team is experienced in handling sensitive discussions and can offer support if you become distressed, and they can also provide details for mental health and wellbeing resources.

Locations (17)

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
City only
Leicester, England
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Derby, England
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Hatfield, England
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Dartford, England
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Stockport, England
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust Hq
City only
Leatherhead, England
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Brighton, England
South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust
City only
London, England
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
City only
Welwyn Garden City, England
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Warrington, England
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Unverified
Stevenage, England
North London NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
London, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand why NHS staff from ethnic minority groups or those who have moved to the UK choose to stay in their jobs or leave.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, everything you share will be confidential, and your personal information will be kept anonymous so no one can identify you.

How long will an interview take?

Interviews are expected to last around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Do I get anything for taking part?

Yes, if you complete an interview, you will receive a £25 shopping voucher as a thank you.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the interview?

You can choose not to answer any question you don't like, and you can stop participating at any time. The study team can also offer support if you become distressed.

How to find out more

Holly Reilly

hlr21@leicester.ac.uk +44 (0)7425611865 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.