Charlotte Santry's commentary on the scarcity of black managers in the health community was welcome, writes Tom Sandford ('The same old faces')

Things can be different. I'm very proud that two of the nine Royal College of Nursing regional directors are leading black nurses. Furthermore, they manage our biggest, busiest and most complex regions: London and the South East.

We have invested in both recruiting and retaining black directors. Issues such as promoting a robust race equality strategy make a difference in people deciding that they want to work for you. Looking after them and creating real development opportunities for individuals once they are in post keeps them with you.

Tom Sandford, director, RCN England, and RCN race equality champion