Gold award for being a leading LGBTQ+ inclusive employer

We have been ranked as one of Stonewall’s top 100 employers, achieving a gold award which recognises our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ staff and patients.

We were praised in particular for our work creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work.

Kirsten Major, Chief Executive said: “We want everyone to have a voice, to feel they belong and to be equally valued and important.

“Valued staff are happier staff and that contributes to providing the best care for our patients. The work of our LGBTQ+ PROUDER staff network and our teams and services across the organisation is all helping to create a culture where staff feel supported and are encouraged to be themselves with their colleagues and our patients.”

Preet’s apprenticeship sees him working towards becoming a qualified Nursing Associate. This is a relatively new nursing role, where he spends four days a week working alongside qualified nurses and healthcare support workers, and one day studying at The University of Sheffield.

He said: “In my last job when I was a support worker in A&E, I really enjoyed supporting, getting to know and chatting to patients. Since moving to the UK from India 18 years ago, my heart has always been in Sheffield. My wife also works at the Trust, so when I saw the apprenticeship at the Royal Hallamshire come up, it just felt the right time to move on and polish the skills I’d learnt even further.

“Training to be a Nursing Associate through the apprenticeship route has been really helpful and I’d recommend it to anyone. You’re working and studying while you’re earning, which makes things so much easier when you have a family and day-to-day life.”

Preet was nominated for the award by his apprenticeship coordinator, Razia Fulat.

She said: “Since starting here, Preet has really pushed himself to achieve and overcome challenges. When he began his apprenticeship, he was a little worried about university and studying, as English isn’t his first language. Despite this he reached out to get extra support through the university and has passed all his academic work first time, which is fantastic.”

Preet has also helped to promote the Trainee Nursing Associate role to others, including at careers fairs, the university, and nationally with Health Education England.