The chief executive of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust has made a promise to Black, Asian and Minority colleagues to increase diversity in the workforce.

Lyn Simpson, the chief executive of the trust running hospital services in north Cumbria, is one of a number of health care leaders making the collective promise to BAME colleagues.

The promise aims to ensure fairness for all and embedding a culture where people can thrive no matter what their race, background or personal experience, and seeking to highlight issues pertaining to BAME individuals.

“Signing up to the collective promise to our Black, Asian, & Minority Ethnic colleagues and communities is an important step forward in ensuring fairness and inclusivity for everyone in line with our trust values of kindness, ambition, respect and collaboration," she said.

“We have been taking some action in the trust with three people recently completing a nursing leadership programme, the promise will help us continue and accelerate this work.

“Over the next two years the trust will be working to build on BAME leadership and progression opportunities including inclusive leadership and reviewing of recruitment elements with the input from its staff to help structure these offers to best suit our staff and organisation to reflect the communities we serve.”

A staff network is being set up at the trust to help shape the future of our BAME staff.

There will also be BAME leadership programmes, reverse mentoring and social mentoring as well as trained champions supporting overseas staff.