What is See ME First?

See ME First is a staff-led initiative to promote equality, diversity and inclusivity. It requires colleagues to challenge and work together towards ending racism and discrimination in the workplace.

The aim of the initiative is to make real change to our organisation’s culture, creating a more inclusive, open, and non-judgemental work environment in which all staff are treated with dignity and respect.

Will you pledge to support any colleagues that experience discrimination? Fill out this form and pledge to encourage colleagues to speak up and safely challenge discriminatory behaviour through the appropriate channels. Once you have done this you will receive a See Me First badge to signify you have made this commitment and ensure your support is visible to colleagues.

The See ME First initiative was first launched in October 2020 by Whittington Health NHS Trust.

Why is it important?

Our 2022 NHS Staff Survey results identified that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff experienced more inappropriate behaviours and had a less positive experience overall while working at University Hospitals Dorset compared to white staff. *see infographic below

“People should not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Why wear a See ME First badge?

·         You are making a visible commitment to actively create an open, non-judgemental and inclusive culture at UHD by ensuring your BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.

·         You are signifying that you uphold UHD’s values of being inclusive, caring, one team, listening to understand, open and honest, and always improving.

·         You are signifying that colleagues can come to you for support and advice on how to safely challenge discriminatory behaviour.

What can you do to make a positive difference?

Make yourself visible as a member of staff who will listen to colleagues who have been subjected to discrimination or need advice and information.

Encourage your colleagues to speak up safely through the appropriate channels if they have experienced discrimination. Direct them to the pink LERN form, Freedom To Speak Up, their line manager or UHD’s equality, diversity and inclusion lead (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Signpost colleagues to the support available to them (BAME network, Human Resources and Trade Union representatives) as well as wellbeing support including Psychological Support and Counselling service, Mental Health First Aiders and Trauma Risk Management.

Be a visible and active ally; if you see racism, challenge it.

Resources

Overview

Pledge

Declaration

Infographic