2015 EiDA Nominee – Ricky Somal

In December 2014, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust was cited in a national report by NHS Providers. This was in recognition of the Equality Standard toolkit designed by Ricky Somal, E&D Lead and a focused piece of work that has resulted in a 50% reduction in BME staff disciplinarians. Ricky has transformed the diversity and inclusion agenda at Southern Health with the design of an innovative 5-point E&D Integration Plan, and from March 2014 took lead of equality and diversity at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust in conjunction to his current role. This programme of work and associated patient and workforce outcomes has been recognized through national awards. Ricky designed and delivered Equality and Diversity Training which was completed by over 4,000 staff in 12 months. ‘Diversity Moments’ is a brand new initiative designed by Ricky to improve workforce diversity and inclusion. Diversity Moments is a series of focused positive action projects and interactive web-based learning vignettes to improve understanding of inclusion.

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