To address long-standing issues in the quality, accessibility and interpretation of ethnicity-disaggregated data, we led an initiative with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to understand the barriers limiting its effective use. 

We gathered insights from researchers, VCSE organisations, practitioners and policymakers through a national survey, two roundtables and explorative blogs. 

By improving accessibility and informing future data collection, the initiative is helping ensure robust data drives effective policy and practice for Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities. These findings shaped our final report, Exploring Ethnicity Data Use and Gaps in Health Care.

When ethnicity data is collected without a clear plan for application or treated as a ‘tick-box’ exercise it can disappear without being shared back to communities, deepening public mistrust.  Decades of evidence highlight persistent health inequalities affecting Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups. Without accurate and consistently applied data, health inequalities remain obscured, and these communities will continue to experience poorer outcomes and unequal access to care.

Our work addresses two priorities: improving data quality and ensuring its meaningful use – both critical steps toward a fairer health and care system.