“As Chair of the Armed Forces Network, I understand how challenging it can be for members of the Armed Forces community to find work and adjust to new organisations. That’s why I’m so proud of the supportive community we’ve built here.

“Our network is about more than recognition, it’s about making sure every veteran, reservist, military family member, and Armed Forces colleague feels valued and understood. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone is listened to, treated fairly, and given the support they need to feel confident both at work and in life.

“Achieving the Gold Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme, just a year after our Silver Award, shows how far we’ve come and highlights our ongoing commitment to improving how we engage with and support the Armed Forces community. We want everyone who works here or uses our services to feel valued and supported. That’s what really drives me and the whole network.”

“I live with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects my mobility, causes muscle wastage, and brings daily pain and fatigue. Over the years, I’ve had to adapt again and again—from relearning how to walk after surgery to stepping away from the clinical role I loved when my body could no longer keep up.

“But my disability isn’t the end of my story, it’s shaped who I am and why I speak up.
I’m focused on creating space where disabled staff are heard, supported, and recognised for what they bring.

“At DAWN, we talk openly about disability, chronic illness, mental health, and neurodiversity. These conversations lead to real change. One example is the Health Ability Passport, a simple but important tool that helps staff explain their needs, agree support with their manager, and take that understanding with them as their role evolves.

“Working with a disability isn’t always easy. But I’ve found strength in community and purpose through advocacy. When people feel safe to speak, things start to shift—for themselves, for their teams, and for the culture around them. And when we really listen, we create an environment where everyone has the chance to contribute fully.

“That’s what DAWN is here for. We champion fairness, inclusion, and honesty. We’re here for everyone, whether you’re navigating a condition yourself or learning how to better support someone who is.”

“My journey began in India, where I trained as a trauma and intensive care nurse. In 2000, I moved to the UK and started working in a nursing home. It was a profound shift; a new country, a new system, unfamiliar expectations. But I was determined to keep growing.

“In 2004, I joined Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust as a Staff Nurse. Step by step, I progressed to become a Matron, and now serve as a Senior Improvement Specialist. Along the way, I completed a top-up degree, a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice, and discovered a deeper calling to support and uplift others, especially international nurses.

“I know how it feels to start over. I know how it feels when your culture, your identity, or your voice isn’t always recognised or understood. And I know how powerful it can be when someone sees your potential and helps you rise.

“That’s why I stepped forward to chair EmbRACE. This network isn’t just a group,  it’s a movement. It’s about voice, visibility, and real opportunity.

“I want colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds to feel seen and valued, not just during awareness weeks, but every single day. Through EmbRACE, we share stories, celebrate our diverse identities, and lift each other up. We create a safe space to reflect, connect, and grow. We also champion inclusive recruitment, equitable career development, cultural understanding, and policies that support everyone.

“This work is deeply personal to me. Because it’s about belonging; not the kind that asks you to fit in, but the kind that honours you for exactly who you are.

“When we embrace our differences, we don’t just grow as individuals. We rise as a team. And that’s when real impact happens—for our colleagues, for our patients, and for the communities we serve.

Let’s keep building that future. Together.”

“I am a practising Buddhist and can resonate with the Trust’s core values, particularly around compassion. We meet online once a month to provide a forum to discuss our values and needs in the workplace. The group is open to staff of any belief system, including agnostic. It is important to enable staff to bring their authentic selves to work and to feel valued and respected.

“I am grateful to have a network that supports this, as we care for both staff and patients. For example, we were able to offer palliative advice to staff who recited the Heart Sutra for a patient and their family. We also supported the provision of a Wudu room, allowing staff to wash before prayers.

“Working with other networks has really helped to create a caring and compassionate structure within the Trust—one in which my faith and beliefs are valued.”

“Both my children were born in different parts of the country, and the care I received varied — from antenatal checks to infant feeding support. In one setting, I was asked thoughtful questions, treated with respect, and supported in a way that made me feel seen. In another, I didn’t feel safe enough to even share that I was a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The contrast was stark, and it stayed with me.

“That difference became the reason I pursued this work.

“At Worcestershire Acute, I’m an active member of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network. Through the network, we’re helping to shape more inclusive practice and policies, and supporting colleagues to build confidence in delivering care that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. It’s a space where people can connect, reflect, and grow both personally and professionally.

“I work nationally to improve perinatal care for LGBTQIA+ people, co-authoring a widely used guide on gender-inclusive language. My advocacy features in VICE News’ The Trans Parent Trap, and I contribute to national research and publications, including a textbook chapter on LGBTQ+ pregnancy loss

“I experienced the difference a midwife makes who listens, educates, and facilitates informed choice. I’m proud to be part of building a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work — and where being open, feeling cared for, and showing respect isn’t just encouraged — it’s part of who we are.”