Positive changes continue this LGBT History Month as our LGBT+ Equality Staff Network appoint an executive sponsor to help champion and support changes to improve equality, diversity and inclusion at our Trust.
Lois Howell, Director for Governance and Risk is passionate about improving experiences for our people.
This is an important step forward as we continue with our plans to improve the experiences for all our staff and people who use our services. Lois will also help to make sure any views, ideas and interests of our LGBT+ staff, volunteers and patients are listened to and acted on.
Lois shared her delight after hearing the network had voted in favour of her becoming the Executive Sponsor:
"Thank you so much for allowing me to become the Executive Sponsor of the network. It’s a role I held at my last Trust, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, and I am delighted to be able to play a similar part here on the Island.
"My intention is to champion the views and interests of the network, its members, and other people who are part of the LGBT+ community at the Trust Board, its committees and in all other relevant settings.
"I hope I can encourage every member of the LGBT+ community and its allies to feel comfortable in their role in our Trust, and to help tackle any barriers to equality of access, progression, esteem and acceptance that anyone identifies in this organisation.
"I can’t wait to start helping plan our role in this year’s Pride celebrations in July, and to contributing to other activities which will help to raise awareness of the network and encourage new members to join.
"I am really looking forward to meeting everyone soon, and thank you again to the network members for appointing me."
