Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Trust Board statement against racism
At our Trust Board meeting in June, Board members discussed the importance of sending a clear message to our colleagues, patients, carers and wider community about our stance on racism and the approach we are taking to address this issue.
Please read our statement:
‘As a Trust we know that the care of our patients is strengthened through diversity of thought, approach and culture, delivered by staff from rich and different backgrounds. We are proud of our diverse workforce and we will make sure that everyone can play their part without fear of words or behaviours that cause offence or pain.
‘We are committed to being an anti-racist Trust with zero tolerance of racism and other discriminatory behaviours. We will create a culture where reporting of discriminatory behaviours is encouraged and action taken.
‘We know that colleagues want to see action on this agenda, not just words, so we have started a programme of work to embed this in our day-to-day activities.
‘We have reset the governance around inclusion and diversity within the Trust. The Inclusion and Diversity Committee will now be chaired by the Chief Executive who will report and be directly accountable to the Trust Board. Its first formal meeting under the new arrangements takes place on Friday 17 July.
‘Over the coming weeks and months the Committee will develop and oversee a range of actions to create a place where diversity is valued and all forms of racism are eliminated.
‘Some practical steps include: an anti-racism campaign to stop, challenge and change behaviours; the roll out of new mandatory training for our leaders to help them challenge racism and change culture and the embedding of inclusive, anti-racist objectives in appraisal discussions. All of these will be supported with the necessary resources so that everyone can understand the negative impact of racism and what we collectively need to do to challenge and change those views.
At Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust our strength comes from the diversity and individuality of so many dedicated members of staff. Here at BWC we must be single minded in our approach to racism and be proud to be an anti-racist organisation.’