Invitation to tender: Calculating the cost of racism
Invitation to tender: Calculating the costs of racism
The NHS Race and Health Observatory (NHS RHO) is commissioning the development of a report to explore and quantify the economic costs of racism and ethnic inequity in health and healthcare in England.
This work follows on from our briefing published earlier this year which introduced the concept of racism and its impacts as a limiting factor within society, recommending a comprehensive economic analysis of the cost of racism, based on a cost of illness methodology.
Scope and outputs
The aim of this study is to explore, map, and estimate the economic costs of racism and ethnic inequity in health and health care in England. This study should explicitly consider and appropriately address the complexities of the task and lead to the development of:
- A conceptual framework for estimating the costs of racism that can be applied both at a national and local level. The framework should adopt a cost of illness approach and factor in costs stemming from inequities in health outcomes, access, preventable illness, experience, and delayed care.
- A set of figures estimating the costs of racism relating to the healthcare system, individuals, and the economy at large.
- Discussion of the nuances and limitations behind estimations of total costs including consideration of the different sectors/agents in the health system that different costs might fall on, and the extent to which they are ‘avoidable’ through reasonable actions.
- Practical recommendations for policymakers on how to mitigate and avoid these costs.
Deliverables should include an interim report, the report itself, and communications and influencing materials to support dissemination.
Requirements
Proposals should include:
- A project plan with methodology, timeline, and risk mitigation.
- A detailed fee proposal.
- Company or organisational information and relevant experience.
- Supporting evidence, including examples of similar work and references.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Expertise in health economics.
- A clear understanding of racism and the ways it impacts health and healthcare.
- A track record of meaningful partnership working and engagement with racially minoritised groups.
- Capability in developing accessible and compelling written materials.
We recognise the power of collaboration and welcome partnership bids. In these cases, a lead applicant should be named in in the bid.
Timescale
Project duration: 12 months, with deliverables to be completed by December 2026.
Speak with our team
We are holding a drop-in session at 3–4PM on Wednesday 24 September. The session is a chance to ask questions about the background to the project and seek clarifications on the ITT document. Sign up to join the meeting on Teams using this link.
For any questions, you are also welcome to contact: Sam Rodger, Assistant Director of Policy and Strategy at [email protected].
How to apply
Detailed instructions on submitting a bid can be found in the attached invitation to tender below.
Tenders can be submitted by email to [email protected] before the deadline of 23:59 on 17 October 2025. Please use the email subject “Tender ref: RHO Cost of Racism” for your submission.