Black Doctors 4x Less Likely to Get Training Places in England 2026

Black doctors in England are four times less likely to be offered a training place than their white counterparts, according to a new analysis published in the BMJ. This stark disparity highlights systemic issues in the NHS recruitment process for specialty training.

Key Findings on Training Place Disparities

The research, led by senior HR professional Sheila Cunliffe, examined NHS England data for 2024. It found that across all specialties, black applicants were offered a place only 12% of the time, compared to 19% for Asian applicants and 47% for white applicants.

In some fields, the gap was even wider. For example, in anaesthetics core training, black applicants had a less than 1 in 100 chance of receiving an offer—30 times less likely than white applicants. Only 10 out of 1,158 black candidates received an offer.

Specialty-Specific Disparities

In obstetrics and gynaecology, black applicants were nearly 11 times less likely to secure a first-year specialty training place compared to their white counterparts. While shortlisting rates were similar across racial groups, the gap widened dramatically at the offer stage.

Why the Disparity Exists

Cunliffe noted that the disparity becomes evident at the selection stage, not during shortlisting. “This raises questions about the robustness of the process, the training of panels, and whether issues such as available finance and personal connections can influence final decisions,” she said.

These findings suggest that unconscious bias, lack of panel diversity, and unequal access to internships or networking opportunities may play a role. The NHS has pledged to address these issues, but progress remains slow.

Key Takeaways

• Black doctors are 4 times less likely to receive training offers than white doctors.
• In anaesthetics, black applicants face a 30-fold disadvantage.
• Shortlisting rates are similar, but selection outcomes differ sharply.
• Systemic bias and resource inequality are likely contributing factors.

FAQ

This data underscores the urgent need for transparent, equitable hiring practices in medical training. Addressing these disparities is critical for building a diverse and effective healthcare workforce.