In an aim to develop a more diverse and inclusive leadership at CHFT, 16 colleagues have been paired up with mentors in a unique mentoring programme - the first of its kind in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The Inclusive Mentoring programme includes a number of Executive Directors and senior managers from the Trust.  It sees 16 mentors paired with 16  colleagues from black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) and diverse backgrounds 

The mentoring pairs recently met for a two day workshop to kick-off the programme and will meet on a regular basis throughout the next 12 months. 

Our Medical Director, David Birkenhead, said “I am delighted to be involved in the mentoring program for BAME colleagues, which, in addition to providing support to this essential and important part of our workforce, also gives the mentors the opportunity to learn from our BAME colleagues' experiences both within and outside of their work environment.

"Our group of 32 people is vibrant, with all contributing to an enjoyable first two days of the programme. I am very much looking forward to ongoing meetings and would encourage interested colleagues to put their name forward and get actively involved in our next group, planned to start next year.”

The programme has come about as a result of the Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) which is a national equality standard for employment against which all NHS organisations are assessed.  Our Trust is required to publish progress against the WRES on an annual basis. The standard aims to improve workforce race equality across the NHS.  It aims to improve the opportunities, experiences and working environment for BAME colleagues, and in so doing, help lead improvements in the quality of care and satisfaction for all patients. 

It does this by taking a two-way, reciprocal approach to mentoring. Mentors support BAME mentee colleagues with career progression, development opportunities and support more generally with regard to their working environment. Mentees support mentors in developing their inclusive leadership capabilities. And we as a Trust draw learning from the programme to support our 'Putting the Patient First' strategy for involvement and equality. 

The Trust will be looking to replicate the programme again in 2018 so if you are interested in being a mentor or mentee look out for further information in the New Year.