To effect real change, we have a duty to speak truth to power about our lived experiences but speaking up requires strength, which can be found in collective voice. The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BME communities and the societal inequalities it has exposed have brought increased focus to systemic racism within national institutions. That such organisations are environments that enable racism is not news to those from BME communities. The shocking death toll of BME staff within the NHS highlights the fact that the NHS is a reflection of the structural inequality and racism that exists in wider society. This session will be a platform for board level leaders to share their own stories and the learning from their lived experience and for those who follow them to have a safer space to tell their own truths.
The session will include:
• BME Chairs and CEOs share how their own lived experience influences their leadership
• Telling the history of the leadership fight against racism inside and outside healthcare
• Telling your truth: conference delegates’ opportunity to tell their own stories