Driving Race Equity Conference 2026

Driving Race Equity: Strategies for anti-racist health and care systems

13th July 2026

A one day conference dedicated to advancing racial equity across the NHS and wider health and care landscape. 

The conference’s theme reflects our shared regional ambition to build a system where fairness, dignity, and inclusion are non-negotiable – and where racially equitable care is consistently delivered through courageous leadership, structural reform, and authentic partnerships with communities.  

The event will bring together leaders, partners, and community voices from across the region.

Learning objectives

By the end of the conference, participants will:  

  • Understand and address the systemic drivers of racial inequalities in health and care.
  • Apply evidence-based, anti-racist approaches to embed racial equity in health improvement.
  • Strengthen leadership with confidence and accountability.
  • Understand the benefit of and how to build and sustain authentic partnerships with communities.  

The conference is a proud collaboration between NHS England North West, NHS North West Race Equity Assembly (formerly NW BAME Assembly), NHS North West Leadership Academy, North West ADASS, Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, Manchester City Council, and the North West Anti-Racism Public Health Collaborative, with the event hosted by BRAP.

Agenda

9:30am – 4pm 

The day will include keynote insights, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others committed to driving anti-racist change. 

Further information to follow. 

Site Information

The Driving Race Equity conference will take place at The Edge Wigan in Wigan (WN3 5AB).

Photo of The Edge, Wigan

Reaching The Edge Wigan is straightforward whether you’re travelling by public transport or by car.

Address

The Edge

Riveredge,

Wigan,

WN3 5AB

By public transport

The nearest rail stations are Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western, roughly 10 minutes on foot from the station.

Several bus routes operate from both Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western to the venue, including the 352, 602, 604, 610 and 641.

By car

If you’re driving, you can plan your route easily using Google Maps; this link opens directions directly: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sYfkgrp3JY4Z8v7r5

The Edge has parking available on site; vehicle owners must enter their car registration at reception to avoid charges.

Facilities

The Edge is a fully wheelchair accessible venue. A prayer room and a multifaith room are available on site. Should you wish to use these, please ask a member of the events team.

The venue has an on-site cafe, Postcode Coffee House.

The Edge is committed to providing local social value and supports a number of local health and care initiatives, including an on-site food bank. Delegates may bring food bank donations to the venue if they wish to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

This conference is open to executive and senior leaders from health and care, local government, and voluntary sectors to support system-wide representation. We welcome chairs, chief executives and board-level executive sponsors for anti-racism/race and health equity, and equivalent roles across health and care organisations. 
No. The conference is free of charge for attendees. It is fully funded by the NHS North West Leadership Academy and conference partners as part of our commitment to developing inclusive leadership and advancing racial equity across the NHS and wider public sector. Tickets have limited availability, so book to avoid disappointment.
The conference will deliver expert insights, evidence-based learning and collaboration, all of which will help NHS and public sector leaders in their work on anti-racism. The NHS North West Leadership Academy and conference partners are committed to responsible public sector spending, and all our providers undergo a competitive procurement process.
Yes. Tea, coffee, water, and a fully catered buffet lunch will be provided. Please notify us of any dietary requirements when registering.
Stay informed by subscribing to the NHS North West Leadership Academy newsletter and following our social media channels. We will also post any updates or detailed programme information on the NWLA website and on the conference event page as the date approaches.
The conference venue will be accessible, and we are committed to inclusion. If you have any specific requirements (such as mobility access, hearing or vision support, dietary restrictions, etc.), please indicate them when you register or contact us beforehand. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
For any additional questions, please contact the NHS North West Leadership Academy team. We will be happy to provide further assistance and ensure you have the information you need.

Explore

Read our latest blog:

Building anti‑racist leadership in the NHS: a North West perspective

Listen to our podcast episode on Spotify:

Leadership Live | Anti-racist leadership