Racist 'banter' will never be tolerated says NHS boss
The Devon Partnership Trust tonight became the latest organisation to appear before the ongoing Torbay Racism Review - looking at what local public bodies can learn in the wake of the global Black Lives Matter movement.
Last updated 6th Dec 2021
The Chief Exec of the Devon Partnership Trust tonight outlined their 'zero tolerance' policy to discrimination and revealed action was recently taken after concerns about racist 'banter' were raised by a staff member.
Melanie Walker confirmed inclusivity training was implemented for the whole team - without identifying the complainant or team - after the person continued to be made to feel uncomfortable, even after raising concerns with their line manager.
Ms Walker also confirmed the incident has formed a part of their ongoing 'organisational development' work as they strive to ensure an 'inclusive culture' going forwards.
The Devon Partnership NHS Trust provide a wide range of NHS services to people with mental health and learning disability needs in Devon, the wider South West and nationally.
It employs around 3,600 staff and each year receive around 74.000 referrals.
The Chief Exec told the meeting they have regular 'open discussions' in groups about the values they expect from staff to help show what the leadership team expects in terms of standards, respect for each other and language.
The meeting heard there is a higher proportion of doctors from BAME backgrounds than the resident population, but much lower representation in senior positions across other parts of the workforce.
A BAME support group has been formed to help advise on actions that need to be taken by the organisation.
There has been two complaints in three years from BAME communities, although bosses declined to reveal further details to protect the identities of complainants.
Bosses revealed they have tried to actively recruit from different communities and continue to do so.
The meeting heard there is a 'freedom to speak up' policy and they ensure patients as well as staff have various channels by which to raise concerns - and encourage staff to also report concerns about the treatment of others.
Bosses described their ongoing work as a 'journey' and repeatedly cited the value they attach to equality and inclusivity, both for staff and the overall patient experience.
The ongoing racism review is chaired by councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla and has also heard evidence gathering sessions from Police, Fire, South Devon NHS and Torbay Council itself.
It aims to identify changes organisations could make locally to support a more inclusive society.
There's more about tonight's meeting here, with a video of the online meeting due to be posted soon
Links to previous articles about the ongoing Torbay Racism review:
Torbay & South Devon NHS evidence session
Devon & Cornwall Police evidence session
Chair of the review, councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla being targeted in a hate crime