A FORMER government adviser on race relations has unveiled a new programme to tackle racism in healthcare.

Samuel Kasumu, who was responsible for boosting vaccine take-up, is behind the Transformational Leadership Programme to improve public health outcomes for black and minority ethnic people in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. 

The programme, supported by a group of up to 20 potential leaders connected in Lambeth and Southwark, will develop their leadership through online training, coaching and creating access to growing networks.

Two leaders will be selected over a span of two years and will be placed on a board of organisation within the London boroughs.

Kasumu resigned from his role as race advisor to Boris Johnson in April this year and hopes the of his programme will give black people the “opportunity to serve and make a difference in their communities”.

He said: “During my time in government I often found that being both black and from a working class background meant that I could offer different perspectives.

“Covid -19 has shone a light on both disparities that still exist, and the need for better representation where decisions are being made.”

In partnership with On Urban Health, the new programme plans to grow opportunities across the UK.