The survey, conducted to gather insights on challenges and needs related to ethnicity data, is part of a programme of work that aims to address issues with the quality, accessibility and interpretation of this data, with a particular focus on health and social care.

Research findings from the survey will inform the development of a publicly accessible online directory to connect organisations and individuals working on ethnicity data gaps.

The survey is open to researchers, policymakers, voluntary sector organisations and those with expertise or lived experience in the field.

The full picture of health inequalities by ethnicity in the UK is hampered by a lack of comprehensive, good-quality data on the issue.

In a blog post, Jabeer Butt, chief executive, Race Equality Foundation, said Covid-19 highlighted the challenges of addressing racial discrimination due to the absence of data disaggregated by ethnicity, adding: “Even when we were able to secure better disaggregated data, we were faced with resistance – sometimes even denial – that racism is a driver and/or that specific action is needed.”

Butt said: “Without this data, it will not be possible to make the arguments for action or to hold organisations accountable. Our hope is that the survey we are launching, as part of a wider project in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, will push efforts to improve the quality of ethnicity-disaggregated data.

“We aim to encourage greater accessibility and use of that data, to both understand experiences of people of Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and to inform policy and practice that tackles systemic racism.”