A local diversity advocate has won a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) award to mark their outstanding contribution to the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda at the College’s annual regional Black History Month conference.

Philip Makin, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) co-ordinator, was recognised for tireless work in introducing a range of initiatives to promote diversity across CWP.

Image.jpegMany of the initiatives, including the launch of the Diversity Alliance staff network, have led to a significant increase in the representation of BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) voices across the organisation, contributing to greater sense of community and belonging.  In addition, Philip has been central to establishing partnerships to promote health and well-being among underserved populations.

Philip, said: “I am thrilled that the massive focus on EDI at CWP has been recognised by the RCN at a regional level.  I am so grateful for the hard work and support of all colleagues at CWP and for Trust Board members for driving this really important work.”  

Gary Flockhart, CWP director of Nursing, Therapies and Partnerships at CWP, said: “Philip's work on the EDI agenda has had a profound impact. His innovative approach and steadfast commitment has established new benchmarks for practices within our sector. He is not only a role model within our organisation, but also a respected advocate for equality and inclusion in the wider health and care community. Philip is truly a people’s champion and a deserving recipient of this award.”

Congratulating the award winners, Estephanie Dunn, regional director of RCN North West, said: “Our Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic nursing community play a vital role in caring for people and their families across the region and these awards celebrate the unique contribution that they make. We are proud to honour their achievements alongside those who work to address inequalities that this demographic contends with on a daily basis. Hearing how valued our award winners are in their organisations gives me hope that one day trying to fight inequality within the health and care sector will be a thing of the past.”

The awards which took place earlier this month, form part of the RCN North West’s annual event to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution of NHS staff either from or in service of those from BAME backgrounds who work in health and social care across the region.

Image: Philip (left) pictured with Joan Saddler OBE, director of Partnerships and Equality, NHS Confederation