"Racism is Alive and Well in the UK Workplace": Dr. Marcelle Moncrieffe-Newman unveils groundbreaking book on the Anti-Black Ethnicity Career Progression Gap
Spring 2025
Dr. Marcelle Moncrieffe-Newman, a leading HR specialist and expert in inclusive workplace cultures, is set to launch her highly anticipated book, One Step Forward, Two Steps Black: Navigating Anti-Black Workplace Culture. This essential research shines a spotlight on the persistent racial barriers in UK workplaces, offering research-backed insights and actionable strategies to combat systemic discrimination.
Drawing from her pioneering doctoral research, Dr. Moncrieffe-Newman exposes the stark reality of workplace racism: 100% of Black employees in her study reported experiencing racial discrimination in the UK workplace. Her work identifies the 'ethnicity career progression gap' and provides tangible solutions for leaders, employees, policymakers, government decision-makers, educators, HR professionals, and equity and inclusion specialists committed to change.
"For years, Black employees have been navigating workplaces where their career progression is hindered by systemic racism. My research uncovers how organisational cultures perpetuate these negative experiences, and my debut book serves as a toolkit and provides a roadmap for transforming these environments into truly inclusive spaces," says Dr. Moncrieffe-Newman.
A Black woman from London, Dr. Moncrieffe-Newman has held prestigious leadership roles and served as a trusted advisor for Black professionals seeking guidance on workplace challenges. One Step Forward Two Steps Black: Navigating Anti-Black Workplace Culture amplifies the lived experiences of Black employees and equips organisations with the tools to dismantle racial exclusion at senior levels.
“Race is still a factor in accessing opportunities and representation at senior levels in organisations, as made clear in recent research. Dr Marcelle Moncrieffe-Newman’s timely new book is a challenge to workplace practices, a call to action, and a roadmap to more inclusive organisations where all people of talent can contribute fully and thrive, irrespective of race.”
PROFESSOR SHẬN WAREING,
VICE CHANCELLOR,
MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY
“A captive audience the world over will recognise and empathise with the familiar barriers summed up so deftly by Dr. Marcelle Moncrieffe-Newman.
Her lived experience allows her to articulate the realities so commonplace in the modern-day workplace and why these issues persist. Also to identify the areas in which effective change can be made. A must-read book for your collection.”
DARREN LEWIS,
DAILY MIRROR
“Dr Marcelle Moncrieffe-Newman's courageous exploration of Black UK employees' experiences is both a personal testament and a powerful call for genuinely inclusive workplace cultures. Through intimate narratives and clear articulation, she illuminates the complex challenges faced in the workplace, inspiring future generations and celebrating diversity. This groundbreaking work is an essential resource for anyone committed to creating truly inclusive professional environments.”
MIRIAM MANDERSON,
HEAD TEACHER AND AUTHOR
“Dr Marcelle Moncrieffe – Newman has been able to uncover the inequalities that continue to exist for people from ethnically diverse backgrounds in the workplace. No doubt this book will offer food for thought for those organisations who are aiming to become anti-racist.”
DONNA FRASER OBE OLY,
FORMER OLYMPIAN
“It is often said that the scourge of the invisible glass ceiling created indiscriminately by the powers that be in the workplace is the unbreakable barrier that prevents talent and ability from merited and well-deserved professional advancement, a task made all the more difficult moreover, if the colour of your skin is black. If you complain, you’re seen as troublesome, or just another moaner, with a chip on your shoulder. If you say nothing, then you feel as though you’re trapped in professional servitude. But to say and/or do nothing about the dark, yet subtle racial and cultural discriminatory practices that still sadly exists within the modern-day world of work is an option that must no longer be tolerated and we must garner the courage to shine the brightest of spotlights in the face of such practices until the eyes of the perpetrators of discrimination are BLINDED BY IT!”
DR SHAUN WALLACE, BARRISTER & MASTERMIND CHAMPION 2024
“This is an important book which gets to the heart of the issue and provides a solid path to a more equitable workplace.”