University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) has been shortlisted for the ‘Diverse Company Award’ in the National Diversity Awards (NDAs) 2020.
More than 64,000 people and organisations were nominated for their work in 2020 and the winners will be announced at an event at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral tonight, Friday 17 September 2021.
Inclusive Companies organises the NDAs and exists to challenge the lack of diverse representation within UK organisations and to assist employers in fostering a truly inclusive environment within which they recognise and value the differences of each employee.
Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of UHMBT’s ‘People Strategy’ – ‘Creating a Great Place to Work and a Great Place to be Cared For’ – for every individual. The Trust works with colleagues to understand and learn from lived experience, quantitative data and qualitative feedback. It also takes action to address inequalities such as implementing evidence-based best practice and creating a place of belonging for everyone. Please see the link at the end of this story to view the strategy.
UHMBT’s commitment to being inclusive and valuing diversity takes many forms. One example is the Trust’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME). This network aims to create a supportive working environment for BAME colleagues and encourages all staff to understand the needs of the BAME community. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Trust has been supporting BAME colleagues with the latest advice and guidance as well as practical help with health-related matters.
Another example is UHMBT’s Disability Staff Network (DSN) which is open to all employees, volunteers and students with a disability as well as colleagues who want to help support people with a disability. This network aims to make sure that the Trust is a safe and inclusive environment for people with different disabilities and encourages all staff to understand the needs of individuals.
A further example is the Trust’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) staff network aims to maintain a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender colleagues and make sure that all staff understand the needs of LGBT individuals. This group also makes sure that policies and decisions made across the Trust consider the LGBT community and provides confidential support and advice to all staff.
The Trust has ‘Respect Champions’ who voluntarily carry out their role alongside their contracted post. Coming from all disciplines and sites within the Trust, their primary role is to provide confidential support for colleagues who feel they are victims of bullying, harassment or incivility.
UHMBT is committed to the national Personal, Fair, Diverse (PFD) campaign which means that the Trust is passionate about making sure that the NHS provides personal, fair and diverse services and support for staff and patients. UHMBT also has around 100 PFD Champions who help to support other staff with things like raising concerns and being a voice for others who might find it difficult to be heard.
UHMBT has many more inclusivity and diversity initiatives. To read more about diversity and inclusivity at UHMBT, please go to the link at the end of this story.
Karmini McCann, Head of Engagement and Inclusion for the People and Organisational Development team at UHMBT, said: “Tonight is the (delayed) 2020 National Diversity Awards and we have been shortlisted in the Inclusive Company Award.
“We were put forward for this award, I understand, by the Inclusive Top 50 team and it is based on our work pre pandemic and then how we responded quickly, and in partnership to support colleagues, through the pandemic. It is important we recognise the amazing hard work so many people have put in over the years - with impact felt by our colleagues and our patients. Thank you all.”
Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards, added: “During difficult and challenging times, it is now more important than ever to recognise our country’s true role models. Congratulations to all of our shortlisted nominees. It is an honour to recognise your fearlessness, resilience and humanitarian efforts.”
To view a full list of nominees please visit: https://nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/shortlist/