More than 100 colleagues from across the Black Country Integrated Care System (ICS) attended an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) celebration event in March, to highlight the breadth of equalities work taking place across the Black Country.
The event, which took place at the Hawthorn Stadium in West Bromwich, brought together partner organisations, including NHS Trusts, local councils, and community partners, who were given the opportunity to showcase their work towards becoming more inclusive organisations that combat prejudice and discrimination and share best practice.
Attendees also heard from a host of inspirational and informative speakers, including Stephen Bush, Associate Editor of the Financial Times and contributor to Newsnight and The Andrew Neil Show, and Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, author of The Power of Staff Network.
Shajeda Ahmed, Chief People Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It was fantastic to see so many colleagues from across the ICS come together to showcase and celebrate the important equalities work that is taking place across health and care in the Black Country.
“Our collective efforts are undoubtedly helping to create a positive workplace culture that promotes EDI and provides an inclusive environment for all our colleagues. A culture where we address any instances of discrimination or harassment and ensure that all colleagues feel safe and supported. By continuing to improve the culture for our workforce, we can ensure that the care we provide is delivered in an inclusive and culturally sensitive manner to better serve our local communities’ health and care needs.
“As a system we are committed to developing anti-racist organisations and building cultures where our staff feel safe, celebrated, and valued and can be their authentic self at work. Whilst we have successes to celebrate, we are committed to doing more. Our momentum will continue to ensure that all members of our community have equal access to all facilities and opportunities so that we can continue to address inequalities.”
Ashi Williams, Chief People Officer for Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT), said: “It’s absolutely vital that we recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and partner organisations across the Black Country to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
“I was blown away by the commitment, energy and enthusiasm of the people in the room at the event and I look forward to bringing everyone together this time next year to reflect on the improvements and achievements we will continue to make over the next 12 months.”
An EDI e-brochure was also developed and shared at the event, demonstrating how each partner organisation is working towards fulfilling the ICS core purpose to reduce the gap in different experiences and outcomes for all our colleagues, service users and patients living in the Black Country.
You can view the brochure on the Black Country ICS website here.
Will Cooling is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner at BCHFT and played an instrumental role in organising the event. He said: “The EDI event was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate both the breadth and depth of the equalities work that is happening across the Black Country system.
“It was fantastic to celebrate the work taking place, network with colleagues and hear from a range of experts who shared their passion and insight with us. Above all, it was great to spend the day with so many people that are all incredibly passionate about equality and diversity.”
Zara Seehra is EDI Associate & Engagement Partner at BCHFT, as well as staff network chair for the ENRICH Equality Network for Race, Inclusion and Cultural Heritage and Engagement Partner for the Trust. She attended the EDI event and said: “It was great to attend the EDI celebration event with my colleagues across the Black Country and hear about the great initiatives and progress that has been made.
“Throughout the event it was apparent that every organisation recognises and celebrates that everyone is different and has taken a strong stance in addressing positive change. It was fantastic to hear about a number of pledges that have been made so that we can all be held accountable on delivering on the actions tailored to our organisational challenges. I think it is safe to say we are now turning a corner.”
