23 April 2026
Just over a year on from the publication of our Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB) strategy and vision, we have been reflecting on the increasing rise in racist incidents and what they mean for our members, our profession, and the communities we serve.
We stand in solidarity with all minoritised communities who face racism and discrimination, and we remain steadfast in that commitment.
At this time, we recognise the fear and distress being experienced by members of the Jewish community in the UK following recent antisemitic incidents. We also recognise the ongoing impact of Islamophobia, which continues to affect Muslim communities. We want to be clear: antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism have no place in our profession, workplaces, or society.
We understand events such as these can have a profound impact on people’s sense of safety, wellbeing, and belonging, both at work and in their personal lives. We are committed to ensuring that all members feel safe, supported, and that they belong within our profession.
How we will do this
As a professional body, we may not comment on every incident or event, but what we will do is support our members by:
- providing guidance and resources to support members experiencing or witnessing racism
- engaging with member networks and groups to ensure a range of voices inform our work
- supporting learning and dialogue across the profession to deepen understanding of racism, discrimination, privilege and allyship
- reviewing our resources and approach to ensure they reflect the full breadth of racism experienced by our members.
Members can access support on raising concerns relating to racism in the workplace here. If you or anyone you know are a victim of a racist or religious hate crime, you can seek support and advice in your local area or contact your trade union.
A shared responsibility
We continue to expect the speech and language therapy profession to be actively anti-racist. This includes:
- creating safe, inclusive workplaces and learning environments
- challenging discrimination, harassment and hate in all its forms
- fostering a culture where conversations about race, identity, faith and belonging are normalised.
Looking ahead
Our commitment to anti-racism is part of our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and belonging. We will continue working with our members to ensure that everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or background – feels safe, supported and that they belong within our profession.
Find out more about our work on Equity, Diversity and Belonging.
