The new health secretary is passionate about tackling health inequalities. With race a central factor, he will be appalled at the catalogue of race equality failures at the Department of Health that the Commission for Racial Equality claims to have unearthed.

A draft investigation seen by HSJ lists a succession of DoH failures to meet its equality obligations.

A source close to the investigation accuses the DoH of wilfully obstructing their work, making empty promises, demonstrating widespread complacency, and being the worst-performing department on race in Whitehall.

The DoH denies many of the claims and has pushed for amendments.

But it is clear the final report is an excoriating critique of the department's performance. Some details may be unfair, but the DoH needs to accept the underlying message and explain what will change.

For more background on the DoH's equality obligations, click here

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