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, that identify as black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME), are female, or Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and sexual minorities (LGBTi). Each network has a board level sponsor. For general information, please contact our Equality and Inclusion Manager.
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 BAME
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.
New details coming soon.
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.
The new MECN executive Committee are:
- Chair - Salome Mare-Walsh: Salome.Mare-Walsh@merseycare.nhs.uk
- Vice Chair - Jennifer Willis: jennifer.willis@merseycare.nhs.uk
- Secretary - Marble Ikubuwaje: Mable.Ikubuwaje@merseycare.nhs.uk
- Officer - Yuvaraj Kaithamalai: Yuvaraj.Kaithamalai@merseycare.nhs.uk
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. To get in touch, please email us at BAME Network BAME
Best wishes, Multi-Ethnic Colleagues Network (MECN) group.