Invitation to tender: Costs of racial inequity in maternity care
Invitation to tender: Calculating the costs of racial inequity in maternal and neonatal care
The NHS Race and Health Observatory (NHS RHO) is commissioning the development of a report to explore and quantify the costs of racial inequity in maternal and neonatal care in England.
This project is one part of a broader programme of work exploring the costs of racism in healthcare. Our core Cost of Racism study will analyse the ways in which racism itself leads to economic costs through disease burden, issues of access, inequitable outcomes, and adverse experiences. This more focused and complimentary study will look in a targeted way at health outcomes in maternal and neonatal health, exploring in detail the ways in which racial inequity in outcomes leads to higher costs, without isolating racism as the main factor.
Scope and outputs
The aim of this study is to explore, map, and estimate the costs of racial inequity in maternal and neonatal care in England.
This study should lead to the development of:
- A conceptual framework for estimating the cost of differences of outcome in maternal and neonatal care for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. The framework should be applicable at a national and at a local/provider level to support and influence leaders and decision-makers to identify and eliminate racial bias in their services. The framework should adopt a cost of illness approach and should consider cost stemming from inequities in health outcomes. When estimating outcomes, factors including access, preventable illness, experience, and delayed care from both operational and clinical perspectives should be considered.
- A set of figures estimating the costs of racial and ethnic differences in maternal and neonatal health outcomes, relating to individuals, the healthcare system, 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.
- Practical recommendations for policymakers and providers on how to mitigate and avoid these costs.
We would anticipate the methodology for the study to include, as a starting point, a literature review, a review of UK relevant data sources, and engagement with members of the health and care workforce, as well as patients with lived experience of race inequity in health and healthcare.
Deliverables should include an interim report, the report itself, and communications and influencing materials to support dissemination.
Requirements
When outlining your proposal, referring to the full specifications attached in the tender document below, please 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.
We are looking for applicants to demonstrate:
- Expertise in health economics.
- A clear understanding of racial inequity and the ways it impacts health and healthcare, specifically in maternal and neonatal care.
- 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: Up to 8 months, with deliverables to be completed by October 2026.
Speak with our team
We are holding a drop-in session at 1–2PM on Tuesday 14 October. The session is a chance to ask questions about the background of 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 21 November 2025. Please use the email subject “Tender ref: TEN1047 RHO Cost of Racial Inequity in Maternal and Neonatal Health” for your submission.