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Heartbeat: Cultural ambassadors to help tackle discrimination and cultural bias

April 7, 2022

Last year 14 colleagues were trained as cultural ambassadors for our Trust to identify and challenge discrimination and cultural bias. They use these skills in their role as a neutral observer within disciplinary processes, formal investigations and grievance hearings involving staff from BAME backgrounds.

The role of cultural ambassador involves:

  • Sitting as an equal member of investigation teams, disciplinary and grievance hearing panels
  • Identifying any issues of unconscious bias, conscious bias, being treated less favourably or discrimination
  • Bringing these to the notice of the other members of the team and ensure that they are taken into consideration in the decision making process

Heartbeat caught up with Donna Mighty, Head of Equality Diversity and Inclusion, she told us: “The cultural ambassador programme is open to all colleagues regardless of banding and ethnicity.

“We are delighted 14 colleagues came forward to help us with this important work for our organisation. They are keen to utilise the skills and knowledge they have acquired, working with and supporting colleagues across the Trust in employee relations matters.

“The EDI team will be working with key stakeholders to ensure the role of the cultural ambassadors is clear, understood and embedded successfully within our organisation. This should yield improved Workforce Disability Equality Standard, Workforce Race Equality Standard and staff survey results as we continue on our journey to being more inclusive and compassionate.”

Frieza Mahmood, Chief People Officer added: “I am delighted that the Board has recognised the importance of the evidence based and highly regarded cultural ambassador programme as being key to delivering on the commitments within our new people strategy to create a just and equitable culture in which everyone’s voice, experience and needs are valued. The cultural ambassadors have been through in-depth training delivered by experts to help them to identify and challenge discrimination and cultural bias.

“Research shows that BAME colleagues in the NHS are over-represented in employee relations processes, and as a result more likely to face sanctions. This important role is key to supporting us to tackle bias and discrimination. Please support us by ensuring the cultural ambassadors receive your full support and commitment to help them deliver on these priorities for our Trust. If you have any questions about the role please do not hesitate to contact colleagues in the EDI team who can provide more information.”