Celebrating equality, inclusion and excellence across health and care

Congratulations to our colleagues who have just returned from this year’s National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards, which celebrate individuals and organisations that are making a significant contribution to equality, inclusion and excellence across health and care services.

We are proud to have been shortlisted for numerous awards at the event including: 

• Anna Cairns, Fundraising Director – Ally of the Year
• Nycki Gray-Cooper, Executive Assistant and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Allies Network Chair – Ally of the Year
• Sandra Mitchelmore, Biomedical Scientist – Outstanding Social and Community Care Award
• Paola Pilapil, Clinical Practice Educator – Educator or Workforce Developer of the Year
• Rachel Cowley, former Associate Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Trailblazer in Inclusion Excellence Award
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) – Inclusive Organisation/ Trust of the Year

Congratulations to Sandra who received a Certificate of Recognition (Highly Commended) for the Outstanding Social and Community Care award.

Sandra said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It shines a national light on the work happening here in Cornwall – the work of our staff, our networks, our EDI colleagues, our leaders, our communities and the many people who believe that creating a culture of belonging matters.

“The recognition reflects the values and impact of work that is being developed through the RCHT Ethnic Minority Network, alongside wider efforts to strengthen inclusion, equity, cultural understanding and belonging across our organisation. Thank you to all the friends, allies and advocates who continue to walk alongside us in the community.”

Sandra, Nycki and Paola attended both the conference and Awards Ceremony on Thursday 17 September in London.

Paola said: “The conference provided an excellent opportunity for learning and reflection on what we can do as leaders to better support our global majority workforce and advance race equity and inclusion. I personally returned with several ideas for projects and initiatives that I hope will have a positive impact on our staff and the communities across RCHT.”

Nycki added: “The day was excellent, truly inspirational. Being nominated by my colleagues has been a real boost, working on allyship and education alongside my role can be difficult but the recognition has solidified my resolve to keep going.”

The National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of B.A.M.E staff and allies from across the health and care sector who are making significant improvements in career development support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff.