Marking the transition of the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework
On 27 October 2025, we marked a milestone moment – the conclusion of the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework's (PCREF) pilot and the beginning of its next chapter: embedding race equity into the Trust’s everyday practice.
The event opened with a presentation from PCREF Joint Strategic Leads, Jacqui Dyer and Zoë Reed, who reflected on the five-year journey since the programme’s beginning in 2020. They revisited how PCREF began as a partnership between the Trust, Black-led community organisations, service users, carers and staff – all working towards one shared goal: eliminating racial inequities in mental health care.
The presentation celebrated the progress made, from establishing Triple Leadership Teams and developing borough-based Change Ideas, to influencing the Trust’s Anti-Racism Strategy and shaping national policy. It also looked ahead, outlining how PCREF will now be woven into the Trust’s strategic, operational and performance systems, ensuring its values of partnership, co-production and co-learning remain at the heart of service delivery.
Following the presentation, participants took part in an interactive group activity, reflecting on the lessons, challenges and successes of the journey. The collaborative exercise captured the collective spirit that has defined PCREF from the start – one grounded in openness, shared accountability and learning together.
The celebration continued with a certificates and awards ceremony, recognising the contributions of the many exceptional teams, community partners and individuals who have driven the PCREF programme forward. From borough-based partnership teams to Independent Advisory Groups and staff champions, each award celebrated the dedication and impact of those committed to creating a fairer, more inclusive mental health system.
As the pilot draws to a close, one thing is clear: PCREF is not ending – it is evolving. The framework has become part of the Trust’s DNA, a lasting commitment to leading anti-racism in mental health and ensuring equity of access, experience and outcomes for all.
