Tackling inequalities and becoming more inclusive

Claire Holmes provides an update on some new initiatives to promote equality and inclusion within our Trust.

This pandemic has highlighted the inequalities experienced by many of our colleagues and service users and myself and the Board are committed to making LYPFT an inclusive family – one where we can all work together to make real and lasting change happen.

To support our focus on equality and inclusion for everyone I am delighted to share that Professor Sue Proctor, LYPFT Chair, has assumed non-executive responsibility for Equality and Inclusion, which reflects the importance of this work to the Board.

The Equality and Inclusion Group continues to meet on a fortnightly basis and now includes a number of new initiatives:

  • From September 2020 recruitment panels for senior leadership roles will include BAME representatives and these colleagues will be part of the decision making process to appoint our future leaders.
  • By the end of August 2020 we will have made a number of appointments into the new Freedom to Speak-Up Ambassador role.  This will give our people access to a diverse range of colleagues who can provide support when discussing concerns confidentially.
  • In Autumn 2020 we will launch a two-year Reciprocal Mentoring Programme between BAME colleagues and our Board.  This programme will include a comprehensive development and support package for our people taking part.  We will share announcements on those taking part in September 2020.
  • We’re working with our partners across Leeds to hold a citywide employer event in September in support of National Inclusion Week. We’re also working on a second partnership event with focus on disabilities, mental health and wellbeing. More information will be shared soon.

We know that only by valuing each of our colleagues as individuals can we work together to improve the experience for everyone working at our Trust and I would like to thank you for continuing to help us achieve our purpose of Improving Health; Improving Lives.

Claire Holmes
Director for Organisational Development and Workforce and Chair of the Equality & Inclusion Group