You can now honour the achievements of BAME staff from across the health and care sectors by nominating in The National BAME Health & Care Awards 2021.
Currently, 10.6% of children and family social workers, one in five nurses, more than one in three doctors and one in six of all NHS staff are from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Yet many studies have shown that BAME staff are under-represented in senior roles and experience discrimination in their career.
NHS staff survey data shows that BAME staff are more likely than white staff to experience harassment, bullying or abuse from other staff.
2020 has seen the devastating impact of the COVID19 pandemic on BAME communities which Public Health England has recognised is a consequence of multiple social and economic inequities that have a profound impact on the health of BAME populations.
The loss of many respected staff across the health and social care field in 2020 has also highlighted the immense contribution BAME staff make in frontline healthcare.
The National BAME Health & Care Awards highlight the accomplishments of those in the health and care sectors who been significant in supporting the career development of black, Asian and minority ethnic staff. The awards also recognise and honour improvements in the quality of services and access to services for people from BAME communities.
BAMEHCA Founder Wendy Olayiwola said: “BAME staff contribute immensely to the development and sustainability of British health and social care. However, we are aware of reports in recent years about the challenges and frustrations that remain for BAME staff over lack of representation at senior levels in the health and other issues that reinforce a sense of marginalisation.
“More needs to be done to showcase the talents, and excellent work BAME staff are doing in the workplace whose achievements so often go unnoticed and uncelebrated.
“That is why these awards set out, not just to celebrate and encourage the outstanding work done by and for BAME colleagues and users of health and care services, but provide a supportive network foundation for future progression and acknowledgement.”
Wendy added: “I believe these awards highlight role models, local leaders and mentors to the younger generation and encourage them to embrace a profession in the sector. Moreover, they acknowledge the rich contribution of BAME to the sector and who leave a lasting legacy of excellence in patient care.”
Cheryl Cole, Editor of DiversityQ working in partnership with the BAMEHCA, said: “We are delighted to be supporting The National BAME Health & Care Awards 2021. Healthcare professionals put their lives on the frontline daily, give their all, and in many cases for little reward and recognition.
“This year has brought home the tremendous pressures they work under and highlighted how COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted BAME staff.
“They deserve far more than a weekly doorstep applauds, and hopefully, The National BAME Health & Care Awards are the first steps in ensuring BAME staff, in particular, are appropriately acknowledged.”
The National BAME Health and Care Awards are now in their second year. Eight individuals and programmes were recognised on the night for being exceptional leaders, change drivers or initiatives. After the event, the winners will have access to on-going peer support and a professional development programme to encourage their further development towards significant leadership roles in health and care.
Following the event in 2019, the winners were given access to on-going peer support and a professional development programme to encourage their further development towards significant leadership roles in health and care.
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the work this underrepresented group of individuals do. You can nominate your candidate, or yourself by visiting The National BAME Health & Care Awards site or clicking here. Support the cause by using the #BAMEHCA21 and #celebratingexcellence.
