At Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, we believe that inclusion is not a destination it is a continuous journey of learning, listening, and evolving together. Over the past year, our Trust, in partnership with Diversity and Inclusion Team and colleagues, has worked to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This section reflects on the vibrant tapestry of events, initiatives, and voices that have shaped our collective journey over the past year.
Inclusive recruitment toolkit campaign finalist for Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative Award
This year, our commitment to inclusive recruitment was nationally recognised when our inclusive recruitment toolkit campaign was named a finalist in the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) Awards. Competing against organisations across England and all sectors, we were proud to be one of only four finalists in the Inclusive Recruitment Campaign category, a testament to the collaborative efforts of our recruitment and, diversity and inclusion teams.
Launched in January 2025, the inclusive recruitment toolkit is more than a resource, it’s a statement of intent. It embeds five mandatory inclusive practices into every interview process, including advance provision of questions, inclusive and value-based questions, racial diversity on panels (or the inclusion of a trained recruitment champion), mandatory recruitment and selection training for panel chairs, and proactive offers of reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Feedback from colleagues has been both affirming and insightful. One recruiting manager shared:
“It helped mitigate bias and assumptions, particularly since two of the interview candidates were familiar to other panel members. I also feel that the champion played a role in making the candidates feel more at ease. I would argue that it goes beyond a mere 'tick box' exercise.”
Recruitment champion, Anuoluwause Oseni reflected on her experience:
“I’m passionate about fairness, inclusion, and making sure recruitment processes are transparent and equitable. Becoming a recruitment champion has given me a practical insight into the interview and selection process from both sides. To me, this is a great opportunity and privilege.”
We continue to offer recruitment champion training, with a focus on increasing representation from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic colleagues, disabled staff, and LGBTQ+ communities. Our quarterly champions’ meetings and monthly bitesize recruitment toolkit training sessions and recruitment and selection training ensures that learning is ongoing and support is always available.
NHS Confederation Diversity in Care Programme: Learning to Lead Inclusively
The Trust’s Diversity and Inclusion Team has once again completed the NHS Confederation’s Diversity in Health and Care Partners Programme, a year-long journey of growth, reflection, and leadership development. Programme delivery included virtual sessions, in-person modules, and masterclasses, the programme aligned with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and EDI Improvement Plan.
The NHS Confederation’s Diversity in Health and Care Partners Programme offered our Diversity and Inclusion Team a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of key themes such as diversity standards and accountability, anti-racist strategies, inclusive leadership, and the importance of monitoring and benchmarking progress. Through case studies and peer learning, the programme also addressed bullying, harassment, and violence in the workplace, while exploring inclusive approaches to recruitment, retention, and career progression. A strong emphasis was placed on the role of staff networks as vital spaces for advocacy and support. The programme provided a safe space to explore complex issues and return with practical tools and renewed energy. These insights are now shaping our organisational development and health and wellbeing strategies, ensuring that inclusion is embedded at every level of our Trust.
Inclusion and Belonging Conference
In November 2024, over 200 colleagues, partners, and service users gathered in Milnthorpe for our Inclusion and Belonging Conference. The day was a powerful affirmation of our Trust’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation.
The conference opened with remarks from Director of Inclusion and Organisational Development and Deputy Chief People Officer, Karmini McCann, setting the tone for a day of honesty, learning, and reflection. Candace Bedu-Mensah, our Head of Diversity and Inclusion, delivered a compelling presentation on our zero tolerance approach to racism, followed by the premiere of the moving video, “What I Want You to Know”. This video gave voice to experiences that are too often silenced. It was raw, real, and necessary.
Breakout sessions explored health inequalities, menopause, and the power of lived experience. Will Butterworth introduced the new reasonable adjustments central hub, streamlining support for disabled colleagues. The day ended with a world café discussion and a closing message from Rob Cragg, our Chief People Officer, who reminded us:
“Inclusion and belonging are not optional - they are essential to who we are as a Trust.”
North West Public Health Conference: Embedding Anti-racism
In May, colleagues from LSCFT attended the North West Public Health Conference, a powerful gathering focused on advancing anti-racist practice across the NHS. The event was both affirming and challenging, reminding us that anti-racism is not a one-time initiative but a lifelong commitment.
Evelyn Asante-Mensah’s presentation on the North West BAME Assembly’s structured framework - ranging from Bronze to Gold - provided a clear and practical roadmap for dismantling systemic barriers. This guidance was especially timely and relevant as our Trust prepares to apply for silver status, building on the solid foundation of achieving bronze last year. Professor Kevin Fenton’s keynote struck a deep chord, framing racism as a public health crisis and urging us to move from comfort to courage.
Workshops introduced tools such as the LARA method (listen, affirm, respond, add), privilege walks, and EDI dashboards, as well as practical strategies we are now exploring to deepen our own anti-racist practice. The impactful takeaway from the conference was, “minority communities are not hard to reach - they are hardly reached.”
Champions celebration: a moment of gratitude
In March, colleagues gathered at the beautiful Brockholes Nature Reserve to celebrate our health and wellbeing and diversity and inclusion champions. This event was more than a thank you, it was a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Champions shared stories of impact, challenges, and hope. The day was filled with warmth, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose. Feedback from the event has already begun to inform our future planning, ensuring that our champions continue to feel supported, valued, and empowered.
International Nurses Day
As part of our ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting our nursing workforce, the Diversity and Inclusion Team proudly took part in International Nurses Day celebrations at The Harbour. Held under the theme “caring for our nurses”, the event provided a meaningful opportunity to honour the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our nursing colleagues. The Diversity and Inclusion Team engaged with attendees by offering information, guidance, and resources on key topics such as our zero tolerance approach to discrimination, the inclusive recruitment toolkit, and Deaf awareness. These conversations helped raise awareness of the support available to nurses and reinforced our shared commitment to fostering a workplace where every nurse feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
