We spoke to Lee Brown, equality, diversity and inclusion project manager at CUH.
Lee, can you tell us a bit about your role here at CUH?
My role is equality, diversity and inclusion project manager. My job is to assist colleagues across CUH bring their whole selves to work, and to achieve their best. This is specific to staff who have protected characteristics, as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and colleagues who fall within health inclusion groups.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It means a lot to be able to make a difference for staff at CUH.
Everyone works so hard and deserves to feel a sense of belonging while at work.
What was your journey to get to this role?
Before CUH I worked at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as patient experience facilitator (equality, diversity and inclusion). Apparently I enjoy roles with long titles! The job was like my current work, but I was working to support patients, carers and service users.
Before that I worked at Lush (and yes, you do get used to the smell, no I didn’t get a migraine and yes, you do get a discount!) where I got the opportunity to design and deliver LGBTQIA+ and gender diversity training to all shops across the UK and Ireland.
I have a personal investment in EDI as a transgender man with lived experience of neurodiversity. Having seen many people in my life experience barriers simply because of who they are or where they or their family was born is not something I can stand by and ignore, and I’m pleased I can make changes with my professional skills.
What does a usual day look like?
My days are varied and keep me busy! I am usually working on multiple projects, with my remit focusing on disabilities, health conditions and neurodiversity. If I am not in a meeting I am usually reviewing or writing new documents that will support staff in their learning of equality, diversity and inclusion and to overcome any barriers they may face during their work day.
Tell us about a case study that really stands out to you.
As we don’t use lanyards in clinical areas, the EDI team managed to get some Hidden Disability Sunflower badges for staff across CUH. The response to these badges was phenomenal, and showed just how many people throughout the trust have either a disability, health condition or neurodiversity. It made me even more dedicated to the Workplace Disability Equality Standard, and all the work I do with various teams to make CUH a safe and accessible place for the people in need of those badges.
How do you feel your role benefits our patients?
Though my role is within workforce,
I hope that the awareness that is generated for disability, gender, sexual orientation etc all flows into the care that our patients receive. If our colleagues feel valued and accepted at work then this can only have a positive effect on our patients!
How are you involved in our staff networks?
Part of my role is to work alongside the staff network committees and support them with events and any other ideas they have. I’m constantly proud of the impressive work that all the staff networks are doing.