Black Lives Matter – a joint message from Chief Executive Oliver Shanley, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, and our Ethnic Minority Staff Network

We stand together with our black staff, volunteers, patients and community against racism and hate crime.

We do not tolerate racism and are proud of the diversity of our staff and volunteers, who we are here to support. We will continue to listen, learn and be part of the movement to end racism.

Black Lives Matter.

Recent events following the unlawful death of George Floyd by American police have ignited anger and a call for an end to racism and injustice for black people. Both our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and the Ethnic Minority Staff Network ambassadors have reached out to our staff this week who may be feeling anxious, distressed, worried or even afraid. And now not just of the impact of COVID-19 on black and ethnic minority groups, but who now may be more concerned about the impact of these recent events.

Chief Executive Oliver Shanley and the executive management team’s message is very clear; “As a Trust, we do not tolerate racism and hate crime. NELFT is a place where we want all staff to feel safe, protected and listened to.  We are an organisation that is proud of its diversity and the richness our colleagues bring to our Trust and the diverse communities we serve.”   

Today we have contacted all our staff to ensure they know they can be supported and listened to by us. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and our Ethnic Minority Staff Network are here to support them and to provide a safe space for staff to share concerns or worries or seek support.

Remember we are all in this together. We support you and are here for you. Black lives matter.