Broken Ladders: The Myth of Meritocracy for Women of Colour in the Workplace

Last Updated
22 May 2026
Source
Fawcett Society / Runnymede Trust

Resource Tags

Content Types:

Report

Relevant Driver(s):

4. Using evidence and experience 5. Enhancing capability and culture

Specific Action(s):

4A. Collect and analyse equality data consistently 4B. Engage with lived experience and work meaningfully with communities 4C. Share learning and best practice 5A. Put in place comprehensive training programmes 5B. Promote cultural initiatives

Implementation Levels:

Advanced
Development

Prior Knowledge Required:

Basic

Organisation Size:

Large Medium Small

Sector:

Education Government Health and social care Local authorities Private Sector Third Sector

Role:

Equality/Diversity/Human Rights Specialists HR Professionals Policy Officers/Makers Senior Leaders/Management Training & Development Staff

PSED Needs:

Advance equality of opportunity Eliminate discrimination

Protected Characteristics:

Race Sex

Resource content

A large-scale survey of over 2,000 women of colour in UK workplaces, produced jointly by the Fawcett Society and the Runnymede Trust. It shows how race and gender combine to create compounded disadvantage at every stage of a career, from entering work to reaching senior roles. It includes findings by specific ethnic group and religion, and recommendations for employers, government and universities.

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