Colleagues at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital (RJAH) recently ran an important Staff Listening Event, to invite discussions and feedback on developing staff networks across the system, as well as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Action Plan.

Guest speakers for the event included Meredith Vivian, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) Disability Network Group, Dr Priya George, ICS Clinical Lead for EDI and chair of the ICS EDI steering group, who shared their fascinating thoughts and lived experiences on important EDI matters, and Lake Beckley, a SAND (Safe Ageing, No Discrimination) Trained Facilitator, who shared their knowledge around LGBTQ+ communities and the SAND project. They also led discussions on the role of allies and the promotion of staff networks, the Rural Racism Report, as well as the system’s LGBTQ+ community.

The event, which was facilitated by Caroline Nokes-Lawrence, Head of People, Occupational Development and Inclusion from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, captured some excellent discussions and thoughts about how the networks and strategy can be developed with the voice of the workforce at its core. It was also noted that there is a lot of learning, sharing and connections that were developed as a result of the event, particularly where our workforces have protected characteristics.

Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt, said: "I was delighted to attend and take part in the group discussions. It was a great opportunity for staff to get together to discuss how we progress and develop our Staff Network Groups and what we should consider in our Equality Strategy and Action Plan. It's so important to me that the Strategy doesn't just sit on a shelf, it needs to be a living document to demonstrate our commitment on all things Equality, Diversity and Inclusion."