Inspiring conversations, actionable insights, and a shared commitment to lasting change in healthcare.
The B.I.D.E Workforce Summit: Achieving Tangible Change 2024 was a day of inspiration, critical reflection, and powerful conversations about equity, diversity, and leadership in healthcare.
Held in central London on Thursday, 26th September, it brought together thought leaders from across the sector, the event provided an invaluable space for learning and collaboration.
One attendee said it best: “One of the most uplifting, inclusive events I’ve been to this year. The conversations were rightly challenging but hopeful – I left on a high!” This sentiment was echoed across the room, as attendees reflected on the Summit’s emphasis on practical, actionable strategies for tackling systemic inequalities.
A call for health equity
The day kicked off with a compelling keynote from Prof. Bola Owolabi, Director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, who set the stage with a passionate call for health equity. Prof. Owolabi’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the importance of leadership in driving positive change in the NHS.
Exploring innovation
The Summit continued with a powerful fireside chat, Narrowing the Equity Gap with AI and Digital Transformation, moderated by Edna Boampong from the NHS Confederation. Insightful contributions from Prof. Kevin Fenton CBE and JS Bamrah CBE explored how healthcare innovation can both improve and challenge equity. The conversation was filled with thought-provoking questions and real-world examples of AI’s potential to both address and exacerbate disparities in care.
Elevating careers
The “Opening Doors” session highlighted how becoming a Queen’s Nurse can significantly enhance career progression and leadership opportunities in healthcare. Led by Dr. Amanda Young and featuring Tina Jegede MBE and Kendra Schneller MBE, the panel showcased personal experiences and strategies for career elevation through the Queen’s Nursing Institute’s support, emphasising inclusion and professional development.
Amongst the highly praised sessions was a talk given byDr. Aziza Sesay, who delivered practical insights into the power of social media in spreading health education and improving access to vital information, particularly in marginalised communities.
Through personal stories, Dr. Sesay shared how her social media campaigns, like promoting cervical screening, have reached millions and encouraged people to seek life-saving medical attention.
“Social media has the potential to break barriers in healthcare literacy, especially in our community,” Dr. Sesay emphasised, recounting a story of a patient whose early diagnosis was a result of these awareness campaigns.
Building leadership and resilience
In a standout session, Inclusive Leadership and Talent Development, Tista Chakravarty-Gannon led a dynamic panel featuring leaders such as Paul Deemer, Evelyn Mensah and Dr. Cordelle Ofori. They discussed strategies for nurturing talent from B.A.M.E backgrounds and empowering staff to achieve their full potential, creating an equitable pipeline of future healthcare leaders.
The Support Hour gave guidance on how to the right type of support whilst navigating the unique challenges of healthcare as a person of colour. Jon Restell, representing the unions, led a crucial discussion on embracing cultural change in healthcare, alongside Bernadette Thompson, Paul Deemer and Shera Chok.
Wellbeing proactive resilience
Another highlight was the session on Wellbeing and Proactive Resilience, where speakers such as Tom Emery, Russell Jones and Alex D’Sa shared tools for supporting healthcare professionals in challenging environments, underlining the critical importance of mental health and resilience.
A closing keynote from Michelle Cox, a renowned advocate for anti-racism, left attendees inspired to continue their work toward systemic change. Her personal story of leadership, resilience, and justice struck a powerful chord, reminding everyone of the work still to be done.
The first of its kind, the B.I.D.E Summit, sponsored by the GMC, UNISON, RHO, MiP, Pfizer and The Queen’s Nursing Institute, was praised not just for its rich and varied programme but for creating a space where difficult conversations could be had with optimism and hope. “One of the most uplifting, inclusive events I’ve been to this year,” shared one attendee.
With comments like “Well done on such a fab event!” and “for organising a thought-provoking conference” flowed in, affirming the Summit’s impact, it was clear that this inaugural event has set the bar high for future summits and left attendees eager for the next steps in creating a more inclusive healthcare system.
Said its founder, Wendy Olayiwola: “The B.I.D.E Summit was a day of learning, reflection, and collective action, with speakers and attendees alike driving the message home: equity in healthcare is not a destination but a continuous journey.”