Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust lays out plans for better racial representation

AN NHS trust has vowed to to be fully representative, of the population they care for, at all pay banding levels within the next four years.
By Millie Salkeld
Published 16th Oct 2020, 15:51 BST
Equality and Diversity Lead at Southern Health NHS Trust Sarbjit Birk with newly appointed Voxpop Chairs and Allies.Equality and Diversity Lead at Southern Health NHS Trust Sarbjit Birk with newly appointed Voxpop Chairs and Allies.
Equality and Diversity Lead at Southern Health NHS Trust Sarbjit Birk with newly appointed Voxpop Chairs and Allies.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is taking the opportunity of Black History Month to share the progress it is making in tackling racial inequalities in the NHS.

Sarbjit Birk, inclusion and diversity lead, said: ‘We are taking a data-led approach in our work on inclusion, by setting priority projects. Already we have made progress in tackling bullying and harassment across the trust.’

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The trust has also created a BAME and Allies Voice of the People Network.

Sarbjit added: ‘Allyship means speaking up against complacency and injustice while others remain silent. I am overwhelmed with the response.’

Paul Draycott, director of workforce, organisational development and communications said: ‘In July, we spoke out about the less-than-desirable statistics that suggested colleagues from a black or minority ethnic background are recruited to our trust at entry levels and then their feet are “superglued to the floor” preventing genuine career progression for all but a few.

‘Black History Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate our staff and to further bring the issue of racism and inequality to the forefront of conversations.’

Related topics:NHSBAME

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