Health and care leaders in the Black Country have been recognised at this year’s Midlands Inclusivity and Diversity Award Scheme (MIDAS).
Organised by NHS England, the MIDAS is an annual celebration that aims to promote new and excellent ways of working by staff, managers, and leaders across the region, who are making the Midlands a more inclusive place to work.
Over the next few years, the scheme will be broadened to celebrate work to address other equality issues.
The Healthier Futures Black Country Integrated Care System (ICS) was ‘highly commended’ in the Inclusive ICS of the Year category, for its work with health and care organisations across the system to help positively tackle racism within the workforce and inequalities in health among local people.
Shajeda Ahmed, Chief People Officer for the Black Country Integrated Care Board, also received a highly commended recognition in the Excellence in Executive Inclusive Leadership Award category for her commitment in driving forward the inclusion agenda and reducing racism in the workplace. Alan Duffell, Chief People Officer at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, was nominated in the category and received the top shortlist commendation.
Colleagues across the system were also nominated for awards, including Sabrina Richards, Head of Talent, Diversity, and Inclusion at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, who won the Changemaker of the Year Award and Dr Ed Fogden, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, who won the Best Ally of the Year Award.
The BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Council at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, which was established during the COVID-19 pandemic, also received the Outstanding Staff Network Award.
Mark Axcell, Chief Executive Officer for the Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many colleagues from across the system receive recognition for their hard work in addressing workforce race equality issues.
“Our aim is to ensure that the Black Country ICS is an inclusive place to work for all colleagues where everyone feels respected and empowered to be their authentic selves in the workplace.
“My heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved and a big thank you to all colleagues across the system who continue to work tirelessly to support one another to create positive change towards race equality.”
