Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about completing the Race Health Inequalities Maturity Matrix and using the platform.
1 Who should complete the assessment?
The assessment is best completed collaboratively, involving people with relevant knowledge and different perspectives from across the organisation, service or team. This may include service or team leaders, staff involved in delivery and colleagues responsible for areas covered by the seven principles.
2 How can we ensure our assessment is as accurate and objective as possible?
Involve colleagues with different roles and perspectives, consider available evidence and discuss the reasons for the maturity level selected. The RHIMM should support honest reflection and constructive discussion rather than be treated solely as a scoring/rating exercise.
3 What evidence should we consider when deciding on a maturity level?
Consider evidence that shows what happens in practice. This may include policies, data, engagement activity, workforce information, decision-making processes, investment decisions and examples of previous action or impact.
4 What do Emerging, Developing, Maturing and Thriving mean?
These are the four stages of maturity used within the RHIMM. The descriptions at each stage help users consider their current position against each principle and identify how they would like to progress. Descriptions of each stage can be found within the platform.
5 What should we do if people disagree about which maturity level we are at?
Use the different views as a basis for discussion. Refer to the maturity descriptions and available evidence, explore the reasons for the disagreement and agree the level that most accurately reflects current practice. Record any areas requiring further exploration.
6 Do we need to work on all seven principles at once?
No. Use the assessment to identify priorities and focus on areas where improvement is most needed or achievable. Small, realistic actions can support progress over time.
7 Can I save my progress and return to the assessment later?
Yes. Responses can be saved so users can return to continue an incomplete assessment. Entries and notes can also be updated as work progresses.
8 What happens after we complete the assessment, and how should we prioritise improvement?
Review the assessment overview, identify where action is most needed and consider what is realistic and achievable. Use this discussion to agree on priorities and develop an action plan.
9 Can objectives and action plans be updated and progress tracked over time?
The digital RHIMM supports action planning and progress monitoring. Organisations can revisit their information and compare previous and current assessments to understand how their position has changed over time.
10 How often should we revisit the assessment?
The RHIMM is a continuous improvement tool rather than a one-off exercise. Agree a realistic review point that allows time for actions to be implemented and progress to be considered before reassessing your position. A review date can be added to the assessment as a reminder of when to return, review progress and update or repeat the assessment.