Our equality, diversity and inclusion committee

How and why the committee was founded

The School’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee was first founded in the Summer 2020 by Chanelle Peters, Digital Service Support Officer.

Chanelle was inspired by individual responses from across the world, coming together in solidarity during the pandemic to survive and ease the demand on our healthcare systems in addition to adjusting to new ways of living and working, whilst at the same time witnessing and experiencing racial and social injustices. Being aware of the impact some of these factors were having on our communities and disadvantaged groups, sparked a need to use the School’s platform to promote change, become more educated and eliminate any barriers. The idea was to have a safe space to communicate matters that are usually very hard conversations to discuss in a ‘normal’ setting. Chanelle also wanted a place to consider ideas and suggestions that are usually overlooked and be able to find solutions for employees at the School, our stakeholders, trainees and other service users for the programmes we provide for.

Committee membership, which is continuously growing, is exclusive to School employees with the expectation that they attend bi-monthly meetings and stay up to date with relevant information. One of the committee aims is to keep evolving and to ensure that the Schools processes, policies and procedures continue to evolve and we will use this section to update you on their journey. The committee also keeps in contact with NHS England’s regional diversity, inclusion and participation managers and the School’s Scientist Trainee networks.