The contributions of Black leaders will be celebrated at a series of NHS webinars over the next week, held to mark Black Leaders Awareness Day on 18 July.

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) and other local NHS organisations are leading advocates for diversity and inclusion, and have scheduled a series of thought-provoking, inspiring and informative discussions for Black Leaders Awareness Day.

Black Leaders Awareness Day is held annually and was established in the United Kingdom with the goal of honouring and promoting Black leaders from the past and present, while providing inspiration for those who might become Black leaders in the future.

Dr Tayo Kufeji, BLMK ICB board member and GP partner in Milton Keynes who presented the first in the series, said:

“I am honoured to be a part of Black Leaders Awareness Day, a significant occasion that celebrates and amplifies the voices of Black leaders.  Sharing my journey through the webinar ‘What’s the worst that could happen? – My story’ is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped my career and personal growth.  This day is a reminder of the power of representation and the importance of acknowledging the contributions of Black leaders in our communities.”

Felicity Cox, chief executive officer of Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Black Leaders Awareness Day is an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the significant contributions of Black leaders in the NHS and beyond.  We are privileged to celebrate the remarkable impact of Black leaders within our community.  Their dedication, resilience and vision have been instrumental in driving positive change.”

The Integrated Care Board welcomes all NHS staff and local residents to participate in the webinars and engage in meaningful discussions surrounding the achievements and challenges faced by Black leaders.  The webinars will highlight the importance of diversity, recognise the contributions of Black leaders, and promote inclusive workplace cultures in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Forthcoming webinars in the series are:

Monday 22 July, 11:00 am to 12:00 noon: ‘Rewriting the narrative’

Presented by Lorraine Mattis, who will discuss her path to leadership as a chief executive and an NHS associate non-executive director, including her role as chair of the ICB’s Working With People and Communities Committee.

Monday 22 July, 1:00 to 2:00 pm: ‘Navigating nursing: Insights and triumphs of a Black nurse’

Hosted by Michelle Ncube, who will discuss her personal journey and experiences as a Black nurse, challenges she has faced in the nursing profession, contributions and impact on patient care and the healthcare system, advice for aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals, and a Q&A session.

Tuesday 23 July, 12:30 to 1:30 pm: ‘Permission to lead’

Introduced by Shae Eccleston, who will share her personal story, highlighting her experiences as a creative consultant, corporate trainer, and patient advocate, explaining the concept of a “Story-Protector” and its importance in preserving and honouring diverse narratives, challenges faced by individuals with invisible illnesses and cancer, the significance of amplifying patient voices and incorporating their experiences into healthcare practices, and a Q&A session.

Residents and NHS staff can find out more and register their attendance at any of the events at https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/black-leaders-awareness.