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.
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.
2023
7 September 2023 9.30am to 11am
2024
Events
The Multi-Ethnic Colleagues staff network are hosting two important events and are requesting staff participation in the South Asia Heritage Month event on 25 August 2023 10.30am to 1pm and Black History Month event on 30 October 2023.
South Asian Heritage Month
The national theme for South Asian Heritage Month this year is about the “Stories we tell”.
Our speakers want to weave in some stories from our South Asian colleagues.
If you want to share your story, experiences in the UK, art, or a poem, whatever feels important and meaningful for you - please email MECN
Submit your expression of interest by Friday 18 August 2023 at 12pm.
Black History Month
The Black History Month national theme for this year is ‘Celebrating sisters’.
We invite Black female staff to participate in the event by reciting poignant poems, showcasing art, telling their stories and/or sending in self-portraits in uniform or traditional attire for our celebration wall.
If you want to share your story, experiences in the UK, art, or a poem, whatever feels important and meaningful for you - please email MECN
Submit your expression of interest by Friday 15 September 2023 at 12pm.
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
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 MECN@merseycare.nhs.uk
Best wishes, Multi-Ethnic Colleagues Network (MECN) group.