GMC reports progress in reducing BAME disproportionate referrals

The General Medical Council (GMC) has reported significant progress towards its target of eliminating disproportionate employer referrals to its fitness to practise processes, with new data showing a substantial reduction in referrals affecting doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and those who qualified outside the UK.

According to the GMC’s latest equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) progress update, the proportion of employers showing evidence of disproportionate referrals linked to a doctor’s ethnicity or place of qualification has fallen to 2.4%, down from 5.6% during the 2016-2020 baseline period. The regulator said this represents a 57% reduction and indicates it remains on track to achieve its goal of eliminating disproportionate employer referrals by the end of 2026.

The GMC attributed the improvement to a range of measures, including strengthened referral processes for employers and the promotion of mentoring programmes designed to support doctors who may otherwise face barriers to progression and support.

The findings come as the UK medical workforce becomes increasingly diverse. The GMC noted that doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds now make up the majority of doctors practising in the UK, while more than 40% of registered doctors qualified overseas. The regulator said addressing discrimination and unfairness remains essential to retaining a skilled workforce and supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care.

However, the GMC warned that progress has been slower against its longer-term ambition to eradicate discrimination, disadvantage and unfairness in medical education and training by 2031. Its report states that continued system-wide action is required, particularly across education, training and workplace culture.

The regulator has called on governments, NHS organisations, designated bodies, medical schools and education leaders to prioritise equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, develop anti-racism resources and strengthen support for internationally qualified doctors entering the NHS.

GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey said the latest figures demonstrate “tangible improvements” but stressed that more work is needed to tackle longstanding inequalities across the profession. He said sustained action is required to ensure doctors can work in supportive environments where they feel they belong, regardless of their background.

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