Raffaela Goodby, our Chief People Officer, looks back at the BWC Equality, Diversity and Inclusion journey during the last five years

Photo of Raffaela Goodby “I joined BWC in October 2020 and am delighted to help celebrate the 5th Birthday today. Having a birthday naturally encourages reflection, and I am sharing some thoughts on our journey towards being Safer Together, by being a more inclusive organisation. If our valued colleagues feel able to bring their whole selves to work, free of discrimination, then we know our organisation will be healthier and safer, delivering safe effective care for our patients and their families. 

The last five years have been a vibrant journey towards being more inclusive, and I know this progress will be accelerated in the years to come with Board, colleague and Staffside support.  

Thank you so much for everything that you do and for educating and celebrating the richness and diversity of our BWC Family. Happy Birthday!" 
 

The first 5 years of our BWC journey, Safer Together

2017/18 

  • IDEA Group formed as a social action group to challenge Board  

  • Launch of BWC Values workshop for managers on how to recognise and tackle bullying behaviour 

  • Launch of Conflict coaches – a trained pool of people to help  

  • Trained 10 mediators introduced across the organisation to support staff to find a way forward when relationships are strained  

  • Launch of inclusive recruitment training launched to improve representation at manager level 

2019 

  • Inclusive recruitment panels introduced for all Band 7 and above roles 

  • Launch of LGBTQ+ Network 

  • Launch of Rainbow Badges at BWC 

  • Appointment of a Cultural Ambassador 

  • Launch of Reverse Mentoring Programme 

2020 

  • Trust Inclusion Committee created chaired by Chief Executive 

  • Launch of new E&DI mandatory training levels 

  • Launch of ‘How to be an ally’ sessions for leaders 

  • Virtual workshops for managers on Inclusive Leadership 

  • Black Lives Matters campaign activity at BWC 

  • Trust Board statement against racism 

  • Launch of Stop Challenge Change campaign and reporting tool 

  • First Trust-wide LGBTQ+ History Month campaign 

  • EDI focus at Staff Experience Week 

2021 

  • Major and most successful Black History Month Campaign 

  • GUARDIAN network for colleagues from BAME communities created  

  • Launch of Safer Together campaign and Stop Challenge Change tool refresh and expansion 

  • Launch of Disability Network 

  • Launch of first ever paid leave policy in the NHS for colleagues who lose a baby through miscarriage 

  • Signed The Smallest Things Charter 

  • Launch of Women’s Network 

  • New ED&I Hub on the intranet 

  • Appointment of Inclusion Ambassadors and first Trust EDI Lead