OUR PEOPLE: HOW WE’RE SUPPORTING OUR STAFF

Staff Networks taking the lead

Reinvigorating and relaunching our staff networks has been a priority for the Trust so it provides a meaningful way for staff to come together with a shared purpose to improve the experience of working at the Trust.

The Trust’s seven staff networks now have new chairs and each have the support they need to drive change within the organisation.

Nicola Price, Chief People Officer said: “We want to create an open culture and a culture where people feel they can contribute and have influence in improving the experience of people that work for the Trust.”

The seven networks now working proactively in the Trust are:

• BAME Network

• Carers Network

• Disability and Wellness Network (DAWN)

• Faith and Belief Network

• LGBTQ+ Network

• Neurodiversity Network

• Women’s Network

Nicola added: “Some networks are already up and running with our Women’s and BAME Networks established with strong memberships already and both hosting events to celebrate NHS75 in July. Other networks are already planning how they will start to engage with staff and move forward to support colleagues across the organisation. It’s a really positive time and it’s great to see staff not only leading these groups but coming together to share their lived experience so that we can all improve the way we work and support each other.”

New Equality and diversity Lead

Equality and diversity has taken a step forward with the appointment of new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead

Surendra Shroff (pictured). Surendra said: “I’m really pleased to take on this role and to take forward EDI at the Countess. We know we have a lot of work to do to improve awareness of EDI – for patients as well as for staff– but I am excited by the enthusiasm I see at the Trust to make improvements and make changes. I’m delighted to see that we have seven reinvigorated staff networks and we are now working to plan a series of events and initiatives to engage staff to promote EDI and support them to do so in their roles.”

New Equality Strategy takes centre stage

The Trust’s new Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy has been approved and was officially launched in early July.

Nicola Price, Chief People Officer said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to launch the strategy to staff and this will be an ongoing focus, with the support of Surendra, our new EDI Lead. We will be reviewing the EDI Strategy in the autumn to ensure it is fully aligned with our corporate strategy which is currently being reviewed and redeveloped to reflect our changing health priorities and the needs of our population.”

Wellbeing manager joins the team

The Trust’s approach to wellbeing will be enhanced this summer as a new wellbeing manager joins the team. Nicola said: “We’ve had a wellbeing practitioner in post for over 12 months but with the addition of a wellbeing manager, alongside our EDI Lead, this gives us a strong base from which to build our approach to staff wellbeing.”