Last month, our chief executive, Brent Kilmurray, was joined by the leadership team, to officially sign the charter – along with regional manager for UNISON Northern, Ronagh Crowe, and crisis clinician, Brander Ngwenya, who is a member of our BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) staff network.
By signing the charter, we’ve pledged to challenge racism, and implement initiatives, training, and actions to remove racial discrimination and improve diversity and inclusion. Alongside the charter, we’re also working in partnership with Show Racism the Red Card.
Brent said: “It’s important we show leadership around the issue of racism and stand up to be an anti-racist organisation.
We want to make this Trust a great place for everybody, and to create a space where everyone has the confidence to challenge racist comments and abuse when they see it.
“That’s why we’re making a strong commitment to ‘show racism the red card’ and to work positively with colleagues to promote diversity, value our differences and respect each other’s beliefs, cultures and backgrounds.”
Brander, who is also a UNISON officer for the Trust, said: “I’m delighted we’re signing the charter and saying enough is enough.
“To be signing it to end Black History Month, is overwhelming and exciting for me. In my culture I would say ‘mazvita’ which means thank you!”
UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter can make a real difference to BAME workers’ lives. The pledges in the charter help employers address racial disparities in recruitment, promotions, training opportunities, disciplinary procedures and pay.
It helps organisations implement a clear and visible race equality policy, and a programme of anti-racism initiatives and actions to ensure there is a programme of equality training for staff across the organisation.
UNISON Northern regional secretary, Clare Williams said “We’re delighted that Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust has signed up to UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter. We can’t underestimate the difference that it can make to black workers’ lives.
UNISON’s charter goes beyond challenging workplace racial discrimination – it is a constant commitment to transform workplaces into explicitly anti-racist institutions.
“We look forward to working with the Trust to implement these important commitments.”
