Jon Hoeksma, CEO of Digital Health, is the 2024 Ally of the Year for his unwavering commitment to supporting B.A.M.E healthcare professionals. Known for his bold stance against racism, Jon took swift action by publicly condemning racist remarks by a CEO and terminating business ties with their company. Jon has been a champion for diversity, actively promoting the Shuri Network and creating opportunities for B.A.M.E women in digital health. His leadership has fostered a more inclusive culture in healthcare and digital innovation, making him a role model for true allyship.

Jaypee Palis Amada has demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting LGBTQ+ staff from B.A.M.E backgrounds through initiatives that foster inclusivity and spiritual well-being. By collaborating with the Open Table Network, Jaypee has bridged gaps for those seeking affirming religious spaces, including launching an Inclusive Church Centre in Ipswich. Their advocacy for inclusive spirituality has significantly enhanced staff well-being, while their long-term commitment ensures sustainable progress in diversity and inclusion within healthcare. Jaypee’s efforts have fostered a supportive, respectful environment for all staff, empowering them to embrace their identities fully.

Dr. Salman Waqar has been a driving force behind the BIMA Lifesavers Programme, which brings essential basic life support (BLS) training to Muslim communities, particularly in inner-city mosques. This initiative, in collaboration with the UK Resuscitation Council, aims to equip communities with life-saving skills that might not otherwise be accessible. Under Dr. Waqar’s leadership, the programme has expanded to include public health awareness events and a defibrillator placement project. BIMA’s tailored, culturally sensitive approach has helped build trust and improve health outcomes in minority communities across the UK.

Dr. Chaudhry exemplifies dedication to mentorship and professional development in the medical field. As the training lead, he has created an inclusive environment that particularly benefits international medical graduates (B.A.M.E. GP trainees), providing crucial support for their SCA and RCA exams. His voluntary mentoring efforts, especially as an SCA-SOX trainer, have significantly improved consultation skills among B.A.M.E. trainees across the region. Recognised with several awards, including the RCGP Educator 2024 Inspire Award, his leadership extends internationally through teaching and community health initiatives, inspiring future generations of GPs.

Julie Hammond is an NHS GP and healthcare advocate dedicated to reducing health inequalities, particularly within the Afro-Caribbean community. As a steering group member of the London Inspire Programme and Events Director of Black Female Doctors UK, she has led initiatives such as the Black Health Matters campaign and the inaugural Black Health Inequalities Summit. Julie’s personal experiences of neurodiversity and maternal loss drive her commitment to enhancing maternity care and advocating for equitable healthcare. Her work spans diverse leadership roles, including NHS Core 20 Ambassador, BMA EDI Advisory Group Member, and Trustee of West Kent Mind, making her a powerful voice for change.

Arfan Bhatti’s tenure at King’s since November 2021 has been marked by a commitment to turning EDI strategies into meaningful improvements. Facing a backdrop of historical race discrimination issues at the Trust, he co-created the Roadmap to Inclusion 2022-2024, focusing on embedding EDI practices across the organisation. Leading 20 initiatives, including Inclusive Recruitment training, Active Bystander training, and the development of a Diversity Dashboard, Arfan has fostered engagement with over 15,000 staff. His work has driven significant improvements in workplace culture, advancing B.A.M.E representation, reducing disciplinary action disparities, and ensuring financial sustainability for EDI programmes.

Errol Murray is the founder of Leeds Dads, a charitable organisation that brings together fathers for social interaction and support, with over 1,000 dads participating annually. Through free activities like SoftPlay, Breakfast Clubs, and Walks, Errol helps dads in deprived areas engage with their children and strengthen their family units. As one of the few Perinatal Partners Peer Supporters in NHS England, Errol also works with new fathers, offering crucial mental health and parenting support. His tireless advocacy has inspired systemic changes in how healthcare supports dads and has earned him local and national recognition.

Harjit Bansal won the Outstanding corporate Achievement Award for her remarkable leadership in the Leaders Empowered to Achieve Potential (LEAP) initiative at NELFT NHS Trust. LEAP has significantly enhanced leadership opportunities for B.A.M.E staff, fostering an inclusive culture and improving workforce retention. Under Harjit’s vision, the initiative has empowered participants through leadership training, personal development, and mentorship. Despite challenges like underrepresentation and resource limitations, LEAP has driven positive outcomes, addressing systemic barriers and advancing diversity within the Trust. Harjit’s work embodies her dedication to equality and inclusion.

Hildah, a Diabetes Specialist Midwife and Co-Chair of the Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage (REACH) Network at Kettering General Hospital, exemplifies compassionate leadership. She plays a pivotal role in advocating for B.A.M.E staff and patients, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and leading initiatives like the “Too Hot To Handle” report discussions and sickle cell awareness sessions. Hildah’s efforts have driven significant practice changes, such as increased midwifery engagement in tackling racism, and strengthened the hospital’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Tipswalo Day, an Obstetric representative in a multidisciplinary perinatal team, has co-produced an inclusive Perinatal Risk and Governance framework, enhancing staff engagement and reducing adverse neonatal outcomes like resuscitations and stillbirths. Her work, including developing interactive learning tools, has fostered a transparent, collaborative culture. Tipswalo’s leadership was pivotal in organizing the 2023 “Race Matters in Maternity” conference, securing partnerships, and driving conversations about racial disparities in perinatal care. Her efforts have earned multiple accolades, including the 2023 HSJ Patient Safety Award, and she continues to advocate for systemic changes in maternity care.

Michelle Cox is a trailblazing healthcare leader who achieved a landmark victory against racial discrimination during her time as a Continuing Healthcare Manager in the NHSE North West Region. After enduring years of marginalisation and exclusion, she bravely took her employer to an Employment Tribunal, where she set a legal precedent for future cases. Her courageous efforts have had a profound impact on policy and legislation, and she continues to support others facing similar challenges. Her legacy is further cemented with the establishment of the Michelle Cox Anti-Racism Awards through the Royal College of Nursing Foundation.