Barts Health NHS Trust has announced the appointment of Bernadette Thompson OBE as its new Associate Director of Inclusion.
Thompson brings 23 years of experience from her time in the Civil Service, which included undertaking a number of operational and HR roles for government departments and agencies, according to Barts.
Recently awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to diversity and inclusion, Thompson’s achievements include five years spent co-chairing the Race to the Top G6/7 network, which aims to increase ethnic diversity and address underrepresentation in senior roles of the Civil Service.
Thompson is set to take over the role from the outgoing Banji Adewumi and will lead on Barts’ WeBelong Programme, which aims to make the trust a more inclusive organisation where ‘everyone is welcomed, valued and empowered’.
This will include designing and developing WeBelong initiatives that ‘eliminate discrimination, celebrate diversity and promote equality of opportunity’ at the trust.
On her appointment, Thompson said, “It is an honour and a privilege to work in the NHS and with colleagues who have looked after the nation during the ‘eye of the COVID-19 storm.’
“I took up this opportunity to help create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where employees can thrive, give their best, fulfil their career aspirations and feel that they belong.
“I’m looking forward to delivering on our commitments in our WeBelong strategy, including improving the experiences of our patients from our diverse communities and also the lived experience of our staff.”
