Who is supporting the GMC’s ethnicity census

Sir Graeme Catto, GMC President

"As doctors it is vitally important that we maintain the trust and confidence of the diverse population that we serve.

Equally, as a regulator, it is the GMC’s duty to ensure our processes and procedures are fair, objective, transparent and free from unlawful discrimination.

Since 2004 we have been collecting ethnicity data on our registration application forms and we currently hold such data for some 30% of all registered doctors in the UK. We now want to update and complete the information we hold.

For this exercise to be successful, we need to secure information for a high proportion of registered doctors.

Having comprehensive data ensures any future analysis of our diversity information is accurate and proportionate.

Please take time to read these webpages which I hope will demonstrate to you the importance that the GMC and others in the profession attach to this exercise."

Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA

"The census will enable the GMC to obtain comprehensive ethnicity data for all doctors registered in the UK.

It is essential that monitoring data is collected to ensure fairness in medical regulation. The information should help to identify areas where action is needed and to evaluate the success of measures aimed at reducing inequality.

The data will also improve the understanding of career paths and give a clearer picture of the general demographics of different ethnic groups in the profession.

“It is important that the GMC addresses these issues to ensure its work reflects and serves both society and the medical profession, and effective monitoring is essential to achieve this. We would encourage doctors to provide their details because without such co-operation the GMC cannot ensure and demonstrate that its processes and procedures are free from discrimination."

Professor Bim Bhowmick OBE MD FRCP, Chairman, RCP Equality and Diversity Committee

“The Royal College of Physicians recognises that it is vital for health organisations to adapt continuously to meet the changing needs and demands of the community which is increasingly multicultural.

To meet those needs, our Equality and Diversity Committee will promote comprehensive, authoritative and practical guidance and fully supports the GMC's new ethnicity census. We hope that it will both play a key part in ensuring fairness in medical regulation, and send out a message that equality and diversity issues are now firmly on the wider medical agenda.”

Dame Carol Black, Chairman, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

“The AoMRC wholly endorses this important project. As our society grows and changes it’s vital that we track those changes to understand better the world in which we live and work.

This is perhaps especially true for doctors as we strive to ensure our patients get the very best treatment they deserve. This survey will help the GMC in all aspects of its work. If you’ve been contacted, I certainly urge you to get involved. All information is confidential and your responses will help us gain a better picture of the UK today, a picture in which you play such a crucial part.”