In line with our Trust values we wish to develop and promote a culture of dignity, respect and inclusion for all.
To support this, we have in place a number of different staff networks that meet regularly to support, promote and advance equality in the workplace for those that have dyslexia and dyspraxia, those with disabilities, that identify as multi-ethnic colleagues, are female, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and sexual minorities (LGBTQ).
For general information, please contact our Equality and Inclusion Manager Joe.O'grady@merseycare.nhs.uk.
Multi Ethnic Colleague Network (MECN) update
After five years as the MECN Chair, Salome Mare-Walsh has stepped down. A huge thank you to Salome, who has been inspirational, passionate and has made such a huge difference to the MECN and the Trust. Read Salome's leaving speech and watch the video she made as she reflects on her time as Chair. We now have now elected a new Chair, Solomon Gwatidzo and Vice Chair, Roderick Thebe.
The Multi-Ethnic Colleagues Network (MECN) exists to create a supportive working environment and policy framework for multi-ethnic colleagues while also encouraging all staff within the trust to understand the needs of multi-ethnic individuals within the community. Its aims include working with the Trust to promote equality of opportunity and highlight the needs and inequalities that influence service delivery. We also celebrate the diversity of the workforce by participating in national and community events such as Black History Month and our stated aim is to co-ordinate other events as appropriate.
We meet every two months (the executive committee meets more frequently to drive our programmes forward) and we make use of Zoom and Teams for ease of access.
The formal structure is set out in the Terms of Reference document and describes quoracy and the four official positions and their term of office. We'd love you to join us!
Purpose: To provide a supportive space for multi-ethnic staff to share experiences, work collectively towards improving the trust equality policies and practices and implement change. The MECN Network also seeks to assist the Trust to achieve its Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) targets by putting into place a plan of action that supports the corporate goals in such areas as recruitment and leadership development for multi-ethnic staff.
Membership: The network is open to all multi-ethnic employees within the trust: full time, part-time, bank, students on placement and apprentices. Engagement is also welcomed from other employees who are committed to the aims of the network. The network is also open to colleagues who have a role in supporting the work environment for multi-ethnic colleagues and experience of patients. Please send your expressions of interest to join the MECN Network to MECN
Hear stories and experiences directly from colleagues who are members of the MECN Network and one of the group’s most prominent supporters in this video recorded in September 2021.
MECN Meeting dates
To provide a supportive space for multi-ethnic staff to share experiences, work collectively towards improving the trust equality policies and practices and implement change. The MECN also seeks to assist the Trust to achieve its Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) targets by putting into place a plan of action that supports the corporate goals in such areas as recruitment and leadership development for BAME staff.
2025
- Tuesday, 25 February from 3pm to 5pm
- Thursday, 10 April from 3pm to 5pm
- Friday, 20 June from 12pm to 2pm
- Tuesday, 26 August from 3pm to 5pm
- October Black History Month Celebrations - provisionally Wednesday, 8 October
- December AGM Friday, 12 December from 2pm to 4pm
The MECN executive committee are:
- Chair, Solomon Gwatidzo: Solomon.Gwatidzo@merseycare.nhs.uk
- Vice Chair, Roderick Thebe: Roderick.Thebe@Merseycare.nhs.uk
Internal coaching offer
We have an internal coaching offer available for all staff. A number of Multi-Ethnic colleagues are accredited coaches who can offer coaching support.
Visit the Manager's Hub under the coaching tab for more informaiton.
International nursing and midwifery associations
Find out more on NHS England's website.
International nursing and midwifery diaspora associations
Find out more in the attached PowerPoint.
2024
The theme for this year’s BHM is #ReclaimingNarratives which invites every member of the Black community to take part in shaping how their stories are told, to ensure their voices are heard, their experiences are acknowledged, and contributions are celebrated.
As part of our Black History Month plans, we have two exciting events planned.
For more information on reclaiming narratives as well as information about our events, visit YourSpace.
2023
The Multi-Ethnic Colleagues staff network held a Black History Month event at V7 Building on 30 October 2023. It provided staff with awareness of issues that fit the anti-racism Trust strategy.
The event focused on ‘Celebrating Sisters’ and will featured strong black women from our Trust telling their stories, sharing poetry and commemorating the achievements of our wonderful Black women.
The event was especially poignant with the 75 years of the NHS coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Windrush.
2022
Watch our presentations below from the recent online away day to learn more about BHM 2022 from our guests, and improving your fitness and wellbeing as well!
We will try and honour as many important celebrations as we can but we also acknowledge that we will not be able to include all.
Best wishes, Multi-Ethnic Colleagues Network (MECN) group.