Reciprocal Mentoring: A step towards cultural change
An insight into our reciprocal mentoring programme and the role it can play in improving workforce race equality.
Making meaningful improvements to workforce race equality is something our organisation takes very seriously, and while there are things we are doing to help break down barriers, we know there is more work to be done.
We will be sharing examples of our good practice, along with other NHS organisations from across Leeds, as part of our commitment to learning from one another as we continue on this important journey.
Since November 2020, our Trust has run a reciprocal mentoring programme as part of our work to develop cultural intelligence. It pairs members of our Executive Team and Non-Executive Directors with staff from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, with the aim of achieving diversity, representation, equality of opportunity and cultural change.
Cathy Woffendin, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Professions, Director of Infection Prevention and Control, at the Trust, and Wendy Tangen, Clinical Service Inclusion Lead and the Chair of our Workforce Race Equality Network, are paired up as part of the programme.
Wendy Tangen:
“Reciprocal mentoring involves a mutual relationship that allows you both to grow and develop. I was
excited to begin the programme, but also quite apprehensive, as this isn’t something that I’ve done with someone at such a senior level before. I wanted to make sure that I could introduce Cathy to my world, while also meeting her needs.
“So far, it’s been a really insightful experience and it’s confirmed my belief that you can go beyond your immediate circle to get support. It quickly became apparent that Cathy and I have a lot of common ground, common goals, and our values are similar.
“Some of the things we talk about may appear controversial and uncomfortable, but it’s important that we have these conversations in order to learn and move forward. Some of the things we discussed, Cathy may have been hearing for the first time, and I learnt a lot from being able to share these stories too.
“I wanted to help Cathy, as our Director of Nursing, to understand how culture shapes the experiences of staff on our wards and in community settings. I’m grateful to have had this opportunity and to have worked with Cathy as a mentor. It’s helped me feel a connection to the organisation and has given me the confidence to have difficult conversations with people, when I may previously have chosen not to.”
Cathy Woffendin:
“I really enjoy learning about other people’s cultures, but I’m mindful that there are many areas surrounding cultural diversity that I need to understand in greater detail.
“Having the opportunity to address this as part of a reciprocal mentoring partnership is extremely valuable and I feel lucky that Wendy and I have been able to develop such an authentic and honest working relationship.
“The conversations I’ve had with Wendy have at times left me feeling shocked. Before this, I was quite naïve in my lack of understanding around discrimination and different cultural issues within our organisation. But to hear people’s perceptions of the ways they’ve been treated and some of the behaviours that have been displayed, has really opened my eyes.
“We are, and need to continue, to challenge behaviours that aren’t in line with our Trust values, and we must really listen to the people who have expertise around different cultures. It is vital that we create a safe space for people to share their stories, and that we are clear, open and honest, about the ways in which our culture needs to change.
“This isn’t about paying lip service, it’s about being really clear on what needs to happen. Making these invaluable connections and gaining real insight through the reciprocal mentoring programme is very much just the first step.”
Interested in finding out more?
On Thursday 14 October, we’re hosting one in a series of city-wide webinars on workforce race equality, with a particular focus on our reciprocal mentoring programme.
It is an opportunity to find out more about the programme and how we’re making valuable connections within our organisation to support and encourage cultural change.