Published on 16/01/2026
Creating a leadership pipeline that truly reflects the NHS workforce is essential for innovation, equity and better patient outcomes. The Shuri Network is supporting NHS England to do exactly that, by championing women from minority ethnic backgrounds and helping them progress into leadership roles across digital health and care.
With over 4,000 members and allies, the Shuri Network provides women of colour with a voice, a platform and practical support to thrive in their careers.
Who Are the Shuri Network?
The Shuri Network is the first NHS and care network for women from minority ethnic groups working in digital health. The network exists to celebrate difference, challenge inequality and drive meaningful action across the system.
Named after Shuri from Black Panther, the character responsible for her country’s technological success, the network champions safety, innovation and diversity, reflecting the values it promotes across the NHS and care sector.
Why Representation in Digital Leadership Matters
Digital and data roles increasingly shape how healthcare is delivered, accessed and experienced. Yet women from ethnic minority backgrounds remain underrepresented at senior levels. The Shuri Network challenges this imbalance by:
Increasing the visibility of women from ethnic minority backgrounds
Highlighting their contribution to digital innovation and patient care
Advocating for diverse representation in senior decision-making roles
Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better, making inclusive leadership not just the right thing to do, but a strategic imperative.
How the Shuri Network Supports Career Progression
The network provides a wide range of opportunities designed to demystify digital careers and support professional growth, including:
Fellowships and bursaries
Networking opportunities and events
Podcasts and shared learning platforms
Visible role models and success stories
Together, these initiatives help members build confidence, expand networks and access opportunities that may otherwise feel out of reach.
Challenging Inequality and Driving System Change
Beyond individual development, the Shuri Network plays a critical role in holding the system to account. The network actively challenges discrimination and works to increase diverse representation at senior levels across health and care.
It has also highlighted the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minority communities and staff, working with national media outlets such as the BBC and Sky News, and through its involvement with Federation of Ethnic Minority Healthcare Organisations (FEMHO).
Get Involved
Whether you are working in digital health, exploring a data or tech career, or want to support a more inclusive NHS, the Shuri Network offers a welcoming and impactful community.
👉 Find out more and join the network:
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