Taking a stand against racism and discrimination in the digital health community

A message from some of our Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) colleagues, supported by our staff networks

Racism, discrimination and bigotry have no place in the digital health community, and we’re joining others from across our sector in taking a stand against these unacceptable behaviours.

We are backing calls from across the industry for an Equity Charter, that will make clear our expectations of ourselves and each other. Its aim is to ensure sector-wide accountability and fairness, while fostering a safe and equitable environment for all.

We were deeply troubled when racist and misogynistic comments in the health tech sector hit the headlines earlier this year, and this prompted us to consider what more we could do to take a proactive anti-racist stance.

At Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust we live our values and are clear on the behaviours that uphold them and those that don’t. We feel strongly that the values of those we do business with should align with our own.

While we accept that these are often decisions outside of our control, we strongly urge all decision-makers within the NHS to give full and proper consideration to the principles, values and behaviours of all potential suppliers. Where these are found to fall short, assessing the negative impact of working together must be a priority.

We are proud of the diversity we have within our teams and aspire to a working environment underpinned by cultural awareness. We will continue to stand up to discrimination in digital health, and hope others will join us.

We are clear that doing nothing, or remaining neutral, is not enough. Progress can only be made through definitive action.

You can find out more about the Equity Charter and show your support here.

Signed by:

Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) colleagues:

Ian Hogan – Chief Information Officer

Nick Venters – Clinical Chief Information Officer and Consultant Psychiatrist

Carl Money – Head of Performance and Informatics

Network chairs:

Maxine Brook – Business Analyst and Workforce Race Equality Staff Network Chair

Charlotte Blunn – Service Administrator and Disability & Wellbeing Staff Network Co-Chair

Amy Harker – People Engagement Practitioner and LGBTQ+ Staff Network Chair

Network sponsors:

Dr Sara Munro – Chief Executive Officer and Sponsor of Workforce Race Equality Staff Network

Dawn Hanwell – Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive and Sponsor of Disability & Wellbeing Staff Network

Darren Skinner – Director of People and Organisational Development and Sponsor of LGBTQ+ Staff Network

Page last updated: 23rd Jul 2024 10:38am