Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Some of the most powerful work across CSS starts with a simple question: who might we be missing?
The Promoting Diversity and Inclusion award recognises individuals and teams who notice those gaps — and then do something meaningful about them. It celebrates work that goes beyond good intentions and translates values into action, improving experiences for patients, families, carers, colleagues and communities.
Over recent years, shortlisted nominations have shown just how wide-ranging this work can be.
We’ve seen teams in Critical Care leading thoughtful and visible celebrations of Black History Month, using it not as a one-off event but as a way to spark honest conversations and learning within busy clinical environments.
We’ve seen colleagues focus on the often-unseen work of building inclusive team cultures — spending time examining everyday processes, language and behaviours to make sure people feel safe, valued and able to contribute fully.
There have been nominations that reached beyond our hospital walls. One team introduced a ladies‑only exercise group for the local community, shaped around cultural needs and supported by interpreters, creating a space where women felt comfortable, respected and encouraged to look after their health.
Other nominations have focused on patient experience, particularly for people who are too often overlooked. This has included targeted interventions to improve the care of patients with learning disabilities, and the creation of clear, accessible educational resources and EEG preparation kits to support patients and carers to feel informed, prepared and less anxious.
Inclusion has also meant thinking about our international workforce. Shortlisted teams have gone above and beyond to ensure internationally recruited radiographers and occupational therapists felt genuinely welcomed — meeting colleagues at the airport, supporting them into new homes, and helping them understand the communities they serve. Practical onboarding, delivered with dignity and humanity.
We’ve recognised teams leading on equalities funding, driving tangible improvements through the CDC Equalities Fund. Others have coordinated and sustained Trust‑wide celebrations of LGBTQ+, Equality & Diversity and Interfaith Weeks, creating visible moments of connection and learning.
And we’ve seen innovation at its best — including work to improve the assessment of darker skin tones, challenging bias in clinical practice and ensuring assessments are accurate, safe and equitable for everyone.
What links all of these nominations isn’t scale or job title. It’s intent. Care. And the willingness to notice the small things that make a big difference.
If you know an individual or team who consistently promotes inclusion, challenges inequity, or works differently to make services more accessible — this is their category.
Nominate them for the Promoting Diversity and Inclusion award as part of the CSS Star Awards 2026, and help shine a light on the work that makes our services fairer, kinder and better for all.
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