Dear colleague
As Chair, Chief Executive and Chair of the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Equality Network, we write to you in partnership and on behalf of the Trust Board. We want to put on record our disgust at the unlawful killing of George Floyd, which has once again, highlighted the detrimental impact of race inequality, racism and discrimination. We want there to be no doubt that we stand together to eradicate racism and fundamentally affirm that Black lives do matter.
We will root out all forms of discrimination wherever it appears; in systems, practices, behaviours and attitudes. We listen to the experiences and anxieties of our staff, and act on them. We did not want to simply offer empty words and have looked to members of the BAME Staff Equality Network to guide our actions.
Last week, the network asked for a voice at the Trust Board through the designation of a Non-Executive Director (NED) sponsor. Today, we are pleased to announce that Jacqueline Small has accepted this role. Jacqueline will be accountable to the network, a way of escalating key issues, sharing good practice and supporting the delivery of race equality and elimination of discriminatory practices.
Despite centuries of struggle, the recent events highlight the injustices still faced across the world, including in the UK, by our BAME colleagues and communities today. We understand that this will trigger feelings of anger and anxiety amongst many of you and urge you to take advantage of our health and wellbeing resources and the range of support that is available across the Trust.
Covid-19 has, once again, demonstrated the health inequalities endured by our BAME colleagues, service users, friends and families. We have taken action to ensure the safety of all our colleagues, and their families, and will continue to listen and act.
In line with our mission and values, we pledge to achieve a safe and just culture for all our staff, partners, service users, carers, their families and the communities we serve.
To be successful we need you to play your part. Be mindful of your impact on others. There is much to be learnt. With respect, courage and compassion we can make real and sustainable changes to make our society more inclusive, safe and just for all.
In the words of Martin Luther King “In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.”
Don’t be silent.
Yours faithfully
Martin Gower, Chair
Neil Carr, Chief Executive
Balwinder Kaur, Chair of the BAME Equality Staff Network