Why you should read this article:

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To identify the challenges that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) nurses may experience in their career development

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To read about the career development experiences of BAME mental health nurses following completion of a bespoke leadership programme

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To recognise the need to strengthen leadership and support for BAME nurses to enable them to achieve their full potential

This article details the evaluation of a bespoke leadership programme for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) mental health nurses, which was undertaken to determine how participants felt about the programme and their professional development following its completion. A follow-up questionnaire and video interviews were carried out with 44 participants who had completed the programme. The evaluation found that participants’ confidence, leadership and communication skills improved. Many of the participants also reported that the programme had a positive effect on the outcomes of their applications for promotions or new roles. The evaluation indicated that BAME mental health nurses require further networking opportunities, recognition and coaching support. It was also identified that there is a need to conduct a larger-scale survey on the effects of leadership programmes on BAME mental health nurses’ retention and professional development.