Welcome to my new monthly blog series. This month, I want to share why equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental and is a long-term commitment for the college.
The challenges members face are evident across all sectors. To celebrate the work we’re doing and continuing to build on, I want to share some of the fantastic upcoming events and shine a spotlight on those that have happened throughout October in recognition of Black History Month. These events highlight why EDI is important and how diversity can include different perspectives.
Talk is supposed to be cheap, yet the ability to communicate effectively across different people is an increasingly valuable skill in a world that feels so entrenched in division and discord. Patient outcomes often depend on the ability of nursing professionals to communicate effectively with colleagues. Issues of compassion, trust and confidence are often first addressed through meaningful conversations.
"We want to support you by empowering you to speak up about the issues that matter most!"
Connect, discover and inspire at our EDI conference
We want to encourage everyone working in an IHSC setting to attend our upcoming EDI conference in December. You'll have the chance to meet some of the team and learn how to maximise your skills to strengthen working relationships and build stronger teams for the future. Our conference focuses on the transformative power of conversations to provide you with the tools to tackle the issues that often feel hard to surface safely and productively.
Since we'll delve into a wealth of EDI issues that we all face in the workplace, namely discrimination, bullying and harassment, this in-person event will help you begin those crucial discussions in your workplace to effect change. We want to support you by empowering you to speak up about the issues that matter most!
The power of inclusive language
Like many of you, I appreciate our nursing support workforce everywhere and acknowledge their part in the nursing team working across diverse workplace settings in health and social care. With Nursing Support Workers Day on the horizon on 23 November, we’re holding an in-person conference to offer members additional continuous professional development alongside meeting colleagues and learning from their incredible shared experiences. Hear from our committee speakers to gain an understanding of inclusive language and how to use it to welcome the contribution Nursing support workers make to patient care.
Celebrating Black History Month
October has truly been a beacon of hope for EDI and has helped lay the groundwork for all our members. I am delighted introduce you to this year's Rising Stars awards to commemorate Black History Month. These awards recognise nursing staff from the capital's Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities who have made an outstanding contribution to healthcare.
Alongside our awards, we hosted multiple interactive events where prominent speakers shared their personal journeys and how the people they met encouraged them to progress in their careers. I was thrilled to be a part of some of these powerful events and saw first-hand the positive impact they had on members who were left empowered and even more determined to further and grow in their nursing journey.
EDI starts and ends with I...
I’ll always be a champion for EDI here at the RCN and am proud of the work carried out so far in recognising our outstanding nursing staff across our entire membership. Of course, we’ve only just begun, but together, we can be the voice for nursing, not just for our members but for everybody everywhere!
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