Correspondence: Addressing Systemic Barriers for Global Majority Nurses in UK Research Capability Development – A Call for Intersectional Solutions
<ns3:p>Background While systematic barriers preventing nurses from advancing into research capability and leadership positions have been well-documented, the compounded challenges faced by Global Majority nurses remain underexplored. Purpose This commentary expands upon Vamadevan et al.’s (2025) systematic narrative review to examine intersectional barriers preventing Global Majority nurses from developing research capability and achieving leadership positions within UK healthcare systems. Methods Drawing on recent empirical evidence and workforce statistics, this analysis examines how structural discrimination, cultural isolation, and systemic inequities create additional barriers for Global Majority nurses beyond those identified in existing nursing career development research. Key Arguments Global Majority nurses face intersecting challenges that compound existing structural barriers to research capability development, including systematic discrimination in recruitment and career progression, cultural isolation due to lack of diverse representation in leadership positions, and exclusion from informal networks facilitating professional advancement. Current diversity initiatives operate within systems maintaining structural barriers and adopt deficit models placing change burden on individuals rather than addressing institutional practices. Implications Comprehensive systemic reforms are required including transparent recruitment and promotion processes, targeted mentorship programmes addressing cultural and professional challenges, organisational culture change initiatives addressing systemic racism, and equitable research funding access. Conclusion Excluding Global Majority perspectives from research capability development represents both moral imperative and practical necessity for UK healthcare systems. Transformative action is essential to create inclusive and equitable pathways for all nursing professionals.</ns3:p>
Authors
- Arun Vamadevan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1591-4911)
Institutions
- University of Liverpool (GB)
- Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- University of Salford (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- F1000Research
- Published
- 2025-10-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.171197.1
- Primary Topic
- Global Health Workforce Issues
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institute for Health and Care Research