Publish date: 14 October 2022
People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture in shaping our communities.
It represents the freedom of the Black history, culture and an opportunity to engage and express. We have 25% of staff who are from African and Caribbean backgrounds, I would encourage you to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate their contributions and achievements in our Trust, as well as to the diverse population we serve.
The Race Equality Network (REN, formally known as BAME Staff Network) aims to highlight the issue of race inequality at the Trust and provides a space to discuss, question, challenge and take actions where necessary to promote race equality and diversity.
As the chair of the Race Equality Network in the Trust, I am pleased to say that over the years, more is being done to support diversity and inclusion, especially for our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues. However, we need to keep this momentum and ensure our actions are sustainable and not tokenistic.
"Our Network aims to build equality around race and culture, allowing our colleagues to bring their whole selves to work".
We currently have a small number of colleagues who have been part of our monthly steering group and are hoping to grow this further throughout the year.
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Time for Change, Actions Not Words’. We must all play an active role in addressing societal, systemic and everyday racism within health and care. I would like to share with you this saying:
‘Today for you, Tomorrow for me’. I am asking you to join us, to take accountability for your behaviours towards others, regardless of our race and background. Together, we can create a fair and inclusive workplace which allows everyone to feel safe and flourish.