In Touch magazine - November-December 2020

Page 11

Meet the equality and diversity champions

Introduction from Padraig Brady, lead strategic HR business partner and the equality, diversity and inclusion chair The equality, diversity and inclusion steering group (EDISG) meet on a monthly basis to review activities and initiatives to promote, support awareness and education of equality, diversity and inclusion at PAHT. The group have widened the membership to ensure that there is greater representation across our clinical teams and job roles.

the protected characteristics, including: Highlighting how disabilities can affect people at an interactive session during Event in a Tent in 2019. Celebrating Black History Month in October 2019 and 2020, coordinated alongside the BAME network. Celebration of International Men’s Day in November 2019 and International Women’s Day in March 2020, including social media campaigns. Celebrating World Religion Day in January 2020 with an awareness event for our people. We facilitated an awareness event and memorial service on International Holocaust Memorial Day, conjunction with Rabbi Irit inconjunction from Harlow Synagogue.

During the first coronavirus (COVID-19) national lockdown, we worked in collaboration with our partner colleagues in other Our diversity champions NHS Trusts across the Integrated are advocates for our people Care System (ICS) to provide across the nine protected advice and support to our BAME characteristics identified in the colleagues. This resulted in an Equality Act. However, not all of ICS BAME telephone helpline the protected characteristics have that is still accessible now – a dedicated champion currently, further details are available on so if you are interested in the role, the COVID-19 staff health and please email padraig.brady@nhs. wellbeing Alex page. net to find out more. The group have arranged a schedule of events throughout the year that highlight some of

Kerry Riches Head of patient experience Inclusion champion for disability There are nine characteristics for equality and inclusion, and I’m delighted to fly the flag for disability. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 12 years ago (shortly after having my son). I’d been in the NHS for six years at the time of my diagnosis, working as a complaints officer for Uttlesford Primary Care Trust. I am extremely positive, I knew the diagnosis wasn’t going to beat me or stop me from living life to the full and achieving my dreams, however I did worry about how it would affect my career. I couldn’t help thinking if I was going for a job against someone without a disability, how would I fare? This is a recurring conversation I have with my colleagues who also have a disability, whether physical or non-physical. Equality is about ensuring everyone is treated 11

InTouch November v1. indd.indd 11

02/12/2020 17:23


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.