In a room decorated with flags representing many of the home countries of our fantastic colleagues, images of people from various ethnicities and with a delicious menu of food from across the globe, people wore clothing to reflect the richly diverse backgrounds and cultures represented in our teams. Not only was it nice to see aspects of different cultures, it was great to be able to learn about them too as people shared and networked.
Multicultural Network Steering group members Beatrice Nyamande, Agnes Tutani, Dr. Ayesha Prout, Raf Hamaizia, Allan Kiss, Yael Eardley, Juliet Powell and Fanuel Zendera were joined by members of Cygnet’s Executive Management Board who are allies to the Network and strategy sponsors. These included David Wilmott, Director of Nursing; Jenny Gibson, HR Director; Stephen Firn, CEO Healthcare Division; Vicky McNally, Director of Partnership and Engagement; and Pam Wenger, Board Secretary.
The event was also attended, in person and virtually, by network members, staff from Cygnet Raglan House, Multicultural Network ambassadors and allies from all over the country, supported by Tracy Whitaker who ensured the event ran smoothly. A long-time friend of the Multicultural Network Dr Anthony Salla, Director of Account, an organisation that champions human rights and anti-discriminatory practice, was also in attendance.
The vision of the network is to enhance the experience of ethnic minority colleagues by creating an environment of openness and fairness, promoting excellence, delivering person-centred care, and ensuring opportunities for all staff to be their best. To do this the network has four main priorities:
- Education & awareness
- Creating a safe space
- Career development
- Celebration & recognition
For more information about the aims and vision of the network you can download a copy of the strategy below.
The Network also took time to reflect on progress made and the work which remains to be done to ensure Cygnet is an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace where we celebrate our differences.
You can watch some reflections on the event below.