Leadership Programme for Staff from Ethnic Backgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are we offering this BAME Leadership Programme?

The overarching aim of this BAME Leadership Programme is to support up to 45 members of staff from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds to develop and hone their inclusive leadership skills. This is a part of EKHUFT’s equality, diversity and inclusion work and aims to improve the experiences of our staff from ethnic backgrounds. We believe this programme will create greater levels of inclusion by addressing the social, organisational and psychological barriers restricting BAME colleagues from progressing and responds to a core element of the People Plan, to provide inclusive and compassionate leadership.

How long is the programme, where is it, and what would my commitment be?

The programme will consist of 3 workshops run in January 2024 and an end of programme celebration in February 2024 where you will receive your certificates. You will be required to do a small amount of pre-work/reading (average 1 hour) prior to each session, which will be sent out to you at least a week in advance. You will also have post-session materials to support your learning. Sessions will include breaks.

Two of the sessions will be virtual and two will be held in person in a central location in Canterbury.

Session 1: 10am - 13.30pm | Monday 15 January, 2024 | Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Session 2: 10am - 13.30pm | Monday 22 January, 2024 | In-person at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Session 3: 10am - 3.30pm | Monday 29 January, 2024 | Virtual via Microsoft Teams

End of programme celebration: 10am - 3.30pm | Tuesday 13 February, 2024 | In-person at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

What is in it for me?

The programme aims to equip you with skills and knowledge to be a leader and progress your career. It will also increase your confidence and motivation and be supported to formulate a clear sense of professional direction. This is a great opportunity for you to develop. It will provide challenge and stimulation, and give you new leadership tools and knowledge.

During the programme, training and development sessions will be available to you, such as:

• Empathy & Understanding

• How to handle difficult conversations

• Powerful communication

• Enabling diverse individuals

At the end of the programme, you will receive a certificate of completion and have access to all programme materials.

The programme will be led by an experienced facilitator from an ethnic background with lived experience of difference. You will be able to share openly and honestly in a safe space as you explore each of the topics and build your knowledge and skills.

What are the requirements I need to meet to be considered?

You need to be a staff member employed by EKHUFT. You can be based at any of EKHUFT’s hospital or community sites. You can be clinical or non-clinical. You need to have agreement from your manager to be released to engage in the programme.

You will be in Bands 5 - 7 with 4+ years of career experience (inside or outside of health and care) and from a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic background.

What’s the deadline for applying?

Please submit your application by Close of Business (5.30pm) on 29 December 2023. The launch session will be held on Monday 15 January, 2024 so please provisionally block this and the other session dates in your diary once you apply. You will be notified of your status regarding the programme early in the new year (2024).