Our workforce is more diverse than it has been any other time previously. Unfortunately, across some levels of our organisations, particularly in leadership positions, our workforce does not reflect the ethnic diversity of our population. There is considerable evidence which suggests tackling workforce race and equality would improve staff experience, organisational efficiency and - most importantly - improve outcomes for the people using our health and care services. Furthermore, it is important that our staff should be able to look at the leadership and see themselves represented.
The Race Equality Network is now a formal part of our infrastructure, with real influence and purpose, including a role in the implementation of the core offer for all staff, the Partnership, NHS People Plan and the Leadership Compact across the system. This section of our website includes information about the network, including latest news and updates, member profiles and how to get involved.
Case study: Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
One of our Partnership’s organisations Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has strived to make significant progress to support their ethnic minority colleagues in various ways. A network was established; with joint chairs Brian Chiyesu, the Trust’s Lead Chaplain and Co-chair Heena Mahmood, HR, Occupational Health. Brian was sponsored by the Trust in order for him to attend the national Workforce Race Equality Scheme expert programme.
In response to the pandemic, the Trust facilitated webinars for all colleagues to participate in and the Chief Executive, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development and the Workforce Race Equality Scheme expert supporting delivery.
The network played a key role in developing and delivering a webinar for all managers on the subject of COVID-19 ethnic minority risk assessments. This received positive feedback from over 130 of the Trust’s managers in attendance.
The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust wished to do more and therefore intensified their efforts to improve ethnic minority support and representation. As a result the chair of the Race Equality Network has now delivered two Trust Board seminars on the topic of equality, diversity and inclusion which all board members have attended. In addition, they also have a seat at a number of executive level meetings reflecting their proactive approach to increase ethnic minority inclusion at every level.
What colleagues said
"I think it is important that every voice is heard"
- Brian Chiyesu, Lead Chaplain, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
“I was delighted when Brian agreed to become the Trust’s WRES expert. Brian’s contribution over and above his chaplaincy duties is immense. He has been inspirational in his desire to help the Trust continue with their journey of improvement. Brian’s work is critical in ensuring the Trust is viewed as a safe and great place to work for all members of staff and this is built on the solid foundations of encouraging everyone to really listen to our BAME members of staff and their experiences. There is so much we can all learn and improve by really listening!”
- Phillip Marshall, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
“As a Trust we recognise that when we include everyone at the decision making table we are stronger and wiser as a result of doing so. The establishment of a number of local Trust targets for equality, diversity and inclusion has been helpful in enabling the Trust to track our progress on a number of matters relating to this important agenda. I am striving to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population that we serve at all levels in the Trust”.
- Martin Barkley, Chief Executive, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Can You Hear Me? - the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership Race Equality Network podcast
"Can you hear me?" is a podcast giving a voice to the diverse talent working to improve health and care for people in West Yorkshire and Harrogate, presented by our Race Equality Network.
In our latest episode, Sayma Mirza, Associate Director for System and Leadership Development at West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, is joined by Fellows Sasha, John and Ash to talk about The Fellowship, a leadership development programme focused on ethnic minorities which launched in 2020. They discuss the impact of The Fellowship and what people can expect from joining The Fellowship Programme.
Race Equlaity Network presentation to the Partnership Board
6 March 2020
Building on the leadership session in October 2019, ethnic minority colleagues came together to help shape how we work together to make this ambition a reality and participants were encouraged to think 'outside of the box' in January. The session included senior leaders from West Yorkshire and Harrogate including one of the Partnership’s ethnic minority Chief Executives sharing their own lived experience and journey into leadership. This led to a conversation to understand what was available across the area, as well as identifying gaps in support and exploring where the Partnership could add value. There were also several sessions sharing good practice whilst exploring opportunities for further collaboration. Colleagues fed back about the importance of visible role models, peer support, a safe space to share experiences and the importance of a forum to shape and influence change across the Partnership, as well as what already exists within their organisations.
Colleagues updated the Board on recent reports which highlighted the pay gap for people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Recent staff NHS and local authority surveys highlighted that racism was the most common form of discrimination, and also saw the highest levels of reported sexism and intolerance of religion and sexuality. Creating a healthy, inclusive and compassionate culture is paramount to delivering the care people would expect and deserve.
Our work over the coming months will set out in more detail the work we will be doing to recognise talent and an increase into leadership roles. The Partnership Board overwhelming approved the recommendations. The Race Equality Network is now a formal part of our infrastructure, with real influence and purpose, including a role in the implementation of the core offer for all staff, the Partnership, NHS People Plan and the Leadership Compact across the system. This is all about talent, people and ethics. There was a commitment to take the work into local workforce groups and to ensure recognition to other minority groups, for example people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ colleagues.
The BIG conversation: inclusion, diversity and the power of partnerships
Members of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership Leadership Group and Race Equality Network took part in a Black History Month 'BIG conversation' in November 2019. A series of 90 second film clips answering bold questions by leaders across the Partnership were shared, which stimulated challenging debate and dialogue on how we could collectively turn the dial on inclusion and diversity. A number of talented ethnic minority staff in leadership roles from the Partnership joined the conversation and celebration. Read more about this event in this blog from Network members Fatimah and Salma.