8 Over 60 members of staff recently graduated from the WITH:STAND programme, designed to support, recognise and encourage BAME staff in navigating through their careers and racism they may face. The course for staff in bands 2-5 comprises of two modules delivered over two days, followed by a gap of six to eight weeks, and a final two days. It is funded by the Royal Free Charity and delivered in partnership with brap, an equity and human rights organisation who are leading experts in the field of creating inclusive and fair workplaces. The graduation took place in January, with group chief people officer Crystal Akass opening the ceremony. Joy Warmington, CEO of brap, addressed those in attendance, which included guests of graduates who have helped them on their journey, whether that be a manager, colleague, friend or family member. “We’ve been partnering with the Royal Free London for about a year now, and the work has focused on how do we get to grips with racism, and what it means to be anti-racist,” Joy said. “Many organisations do not go down that path, but the Royal Free London is trying to say that if we are going to do something about racism, then we need to be honest, disruptive, open and invasive.” Diane Rutherford, educator at brap, led the programme and said the change of culture “isn’t something that BAME staff can do alone.” “We shouldn’t stand for racism collectively and we need white-presenting staff to be anti-racist.” Olayid Bayo-Tofowomo, workforce coordinator for CFH and group clinical services, was one participant of the programme. “I would say to anyone of a BAME background to get involved,” she said.“ It is an amazing programme. It changes your mindset, the way you look at things and how you might hide away from things you have experienced.” Said Bashar, nurse at BH, said the programme was knowledgeable and that he got great value out of it. “I have learned so much, came to know more about diversity and I am really grateful to have taken part. “You have the opportunity to learn more about people, cultures, racism and what it really means or how it presents itself.” Following the award ceremony, Rachel Anticoni, director of operations at RFH (who took part in the white leaders programme), also announced a new offering for graduates of WITH:STAND where they can come up with an project to develop with guidance and mentoring from an executive in the trust. Crystal Akass, group chief people officer also said the new offering “is an invitation to people who have done the programme to continue their development with the right support.” “We’ve got some ideas, and participants will have them too. We want to bring them together to make sure this is the start of important work, and not the finish line and will continue to do more brap interventions with more colleagues and cohorts across the group.” Applications for the next two cohorts of the WITH:STAND programme are now open. Visit Freenet for more information. WITH:STAND graduates celebrating their success Crystal Akass, group chief people officer, Joy Warmington, CEO of brap, and Diane Rutherford, educator at brap Said Bashar, nurse at BH, receiving his award Celebrating our WITH:STAND graduates
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