UHNM are recipients of prestigious Michelle Cox RCN Foundation Anti-Racism Award
The project aims to combat racism by monitoring workplace practices, identifying barriers to career advancement, and promoting equity
The Michelle Cox RCN Foundation Anti-Racism Award is a partnership between the RCN Foundation and Michelle Cox.
Background
Michelle is a Black nurse from Liverpool who was employed by NHSE&I Commissioning as a Continuing Healthcare Manager, based in Manchester from May 2017. Michelle made the decision to blow the whistle on poor practice in her service across the North of England, submitting a grievance which included discrimination by her manager.
Dissatisfied with the way her complaints of racism were handled, and certain she had been mistreated for whistleblowing, Michelle took her employer to industrial tribunal and won a landmark racial discrimination case. She was represented by the Royal College of Nursing.
Creating something positive
Following the impact of her own distressing experiences and motivated by the need for change, Michelle was instrumental in driving the initiative forward, creating an award that supports nursing and midwifery staff to tackle racism.
The purpose of the annual award is to facilitate projects that support nursing and midwifery professionals to tackle racism and transform unequal workplace relations that negatively impact individuals from the Global Majority. Funded projects will aim to build anti-racist workplaces and could include the development of webinars and virtual learning packages, Global Majority development programmes, reverse mentoring programmes and advocacy programmes.
This award is a testament to both Michelle and the RCN Foundation’s commitment to fostering equality and inclusivity within nursing and midwifery. To learn more about previously funded applications, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Words of advice
Michelle said: "Developing a culture of anti-racism improves race equality and promotes an environment of psychological safety. Those who have experienced race discrimination, or in fact discrimination in all its guises will understand the importance of feeling safe. All anti-discrimination work will not only benefit our workforce but patients too. Nothing is out of the realm – be creative and imagine a world without discrimination."
Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation Director said: “Michelle's commitment to promoting inclusivity stands as a testament to the importance of addressing discrimination in nursing and midwifery. Her unwavering commitment to change echoes through this award, offering hope and inspiration to those who oppose racism and promote racial equality within nursing and midwifery. We are proud to work alongside Michelle to support projects that lead to long-lasting and positive change.
Applying for the award
The grant is open to registered nurses and midwives from across the UK that are RCN members.
Grants of £2,500 will be awarded annually through a competitive process.
The award is now closed and will reopen October 2025 to coincide with Black History Month. Sign up to the RCN Foundation email newsletter to keep up to date on when our grants open.