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Maureen Whilby, Non Executive Director with Mersey Care, wants people to ask questions about black history and culture.

“I’m from a big Caribbean family, so Black History Month is an important way for people like me to come together positively and safely, to share stories and talk about raising up changes we feel need to happen.

“It’s a reminder that black people have been here for a long time and is a chance to share the richness of our history. My own hero is Nanny of the Maroons, a Jamaican national hero. She was a superstar in the way she fought for and protected her people.

“We need to help people learn more than what’s in the echo chambers on social media and in the press. Please ask us questions – we’re a friendly, vocal bunch!”

Are you surprised to be the only woman of colour on Mersey Care’s Board?

“I’m not. In my career I’ve almost always been the only black woman at senior level. I’ve often thought, ‘Gosh, we’re in the 20th and 21st century and it’s still like this’.

“I really like the culture here, but we have limited resources, time and money. So I’ll be working alongside the Board of Directors to make sure everything we do aligns to what we want to change – and that includes equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

“I’ve been encouraged by the open mindedness and receptiveness from everyone at Mersey Care and there’s been a lot of good work done that deserves credit. However, it’s also fair to say the numbers don’t paint a story of consistent progress. Activities need to tie clearly into our strategic goals and be structured and funded.”

Will all this reach wards?

“It already does. But from my visits to hospitals, community hubs, The Life Rooms and conversations with international nurses, people are saying there’s more to do, especially on cascading information around objectives and progress. Staff don’t always have time to read emails. We need a better way to share progress.

“If our aspiration is to zero discrimination, we need to understand the barriers. If we can create the right structures to drive EDI, work better together, trust each other and measure the difference, I’ll be happy.

“I’m here to make sure everyone is part of this allyship. We’re moving the cultural mindset. My job is to help to keep the focus on EDI change which won’t happen overnight. It’s not a mandate it’s a movement.”