On Tuesday 29 October, regional secretary Steve Torrance visited Darent Valley Hospital and met with Jonathan Wade (Chief Executive Officer), Andrea Ashman (Chief People Officer), Adam Whitty (Head of EDI), and dedicated local branch activists, to sign the charter. The day was specifically chosen to be part of the trust’s Black History Month commemorations.
UNISON’s anti-racism charter is a grassroots initiative that was developed by our own Black members, and asks employers to commit to a series of measures that will actively challenge and eradicate racism in the workplace.
Dartford and Gravesham UNISON branch secretary Marcia West and Black members officer Simi Ojo worked with Adam Whitty to put the charter forward for the trust’s consideration.
UNISON’s partnership with the trust will be led by Marcia, Simi and Adam on behalf of their branch, at an employer where around 40% of directly employed staff are Black. Simi and Marcia are determined to make sure the charter works for the benefit of staff and service users alike.
Organisations signing up to the charter agree to commit to taking anti-racism seriously in all processes, policies and procedures. Provisions include setting up a regularly reviewed strategy to improve racial equality, diversity and inclusion, so that the organisation reflects the communities it serves; providing unconscious bias and anti-racism training for all staff members, and ensuring that recruitment processes identify and address race disparities in equality of opportunity.
UNISON South East regional secretary Steve Torrance said: “It’s great to see DGT become the first health employer in the South East to sign the anti-racism charter, and we look forward to working with them to ensure its success.
“The anti-racism charter is a powerful way for leaders to work with their staff to ensure racism has no place anywhere in the public sector.”
Dartford and Gravesham UNISON branch Black members officer Simi Ojo said: “As a Black members officer and a proud employee of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, being a part of today’s occasion is a great deal for me as we take a step further in recognising the need and benefit in championing this initiative and putting action into practice. I am indeed proud to be an employee of this organisation and grateful to the leadership for being supportive, proactive and setting a good example.”
Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT) Chief People Officer Andrea Ashman said: “This charter is a promise to make sure everyone is treated fairly and equally, no matter their race or background. By signing, we’re saying that we want a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and included.
The charter helps us do this in many ways. It gives us steps to make sure everyone has the same chances for jobs and promotions, that pay is fair, and that there’s training to understand and stop racism. It also means we’ll listen and take action if someone feels they’ve been treated unfairly.”
Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT) Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Wade said: “Signing the anti-racism charter shows our commitment to fairness and respect for everyone. It’s not just about words, but about real action. At DGT, we believe that when everyone is treated equally, we all thrive together. This charter helps us build a workplace where every person feels valued and included.”
Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT) Head of EDI Adam Whitty said: “We had no hesitation in signing this chatter, and by doing so we’re standing up for kindness and unity. It’s important that every team member feels safe and supported at work. This is our promise to fight racism and make DGT a place where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.”
Learn more about the anti-racism charter
To build on the legacy of 2023’s Year of the Black Worker, we’re supporting branches to encourage employers to sign UNISON’s anti-racism charter, a pledge from public service employers to build actively anti-racist organisations.