Published: 10/06/2004, Volume II4, No. 5909 Page 35

Equality and diversity (particularly race related) has never been nearer the top of the agenda in terms of serious top team endorsement.

Readers will be aware of NHS chief executive Sir Nigel Crisp's recently launched race equality action plan which set out clear targets for improved equality of access both to services and by management careers within the service.

Meanwhile, the Positively Diverse programme - which was originally set out in the NHS plan - has put together a 'strategic model'aimed at 'change relating to the equality agenda across the board'.

To support this, the Positively Diverse lead sites (two each in Bradford, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Wolverhampton, North Tees and Hartlepool, Sheffield and four in London) are providing training accredited by Middlesex University.

Royal Free Hampstead trust in London is hosting the training programme, and has put together a briefing half day, designed to give an overview about the programme to participants and 'board-level sponsors'.This is to be held on 30 June, with the three module training days to follow in July, August and September.