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.

Our diversity champions are advocates for our people across the nine protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act. However, not all of the protected characteristics have a dedicated champion currently, so if you are interested in the role, please email padraig.brady@nhs. net to find out more.

The group have arranged a schedule of events throughout the year that highlight some of 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, inconjunction with Rabbi Irit conjunction from Harlow Synagogue.

During the first coronavirus (COVID-19) national lockdown, we worked in collaboration with our partner colleagues in other NHS Trusts across the Integrated Care System (ICS) to provide advice and support to our BAME colleagues. This resulted in an ICS BAME telephone helpline that is still accessible now – further details are available on the COVID-19 staff health and

wellbeing Alex page.

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

fairly and equally, specific to their needs. It’s ok to treat people differently in order to treat them the same. This often means putting things in place to support people to achieve similar outcomes. I can support you to do this, so please contact me if you need a friendly ear at this difficult time or at any time.

I have been in the NHS now for 18 years and I’m incredibly proud to call myself an equality and inclusion champion for PAHT. equality agenda forward, raising that I am making a difference to

Alexandra Anyanwu

Head of core training and development Chair of the black and ethnic minority network

I am the chair for our black and minority ethnic staff (BAME) group and I am a passionate advocate for social justice. One of my proudest achievements and fondest memory is starting the groundbreaking BAME staff network at PAHT. We support and enable our people to bring their ‘true self’ to work. concerns, learn from best views and feel that their voice our BAME colleagues have equal access to career opportunities and receive fair treatment in the workplace.

A big thank you to all of our BAME staff network members for all of your hard work and commitment so far – if you would like to join the network, please email paht.bamestaffnetwork@ nhs.net or call 07393 818 284 for

Elie Wood Corporate information manager Inclusion champion for race We host regular forums that enable our people to come together and share ideas,

As an equality and inclusion practice, collaborate in order to champion, I play a really important improve ways of working and role in helping drive PAHT’s make suggestions. awareness and building inclusive practices across the organisation. The network is a space for our BAME colleagues to share their

I am a champion for race and is heard and they are a key part I want to encourage people to of the Trust’s equality diversity come forward and speak up if and inclusion strategy. It is great they have any issues or concerns to see that the network has impacting them in the workplace. been embedded into policy and It means a lot to me knowing decision-making structures. more information.

people’s lives at work. I can offer support, guidance and signposting to help people find a resolution to We work closely with our people information colleagues to draft our clear action plans that their concerns. outline how we will ensure that