Goodall Celebration: celebrating equalities and diversity

CNWL’s largest division gathered on Wednesday (3 November) for the Goodall Celebration.

The virtual event focused on the theme equalities and diversity, with heartfelt discussions on how to promote and demonstrate these principles in everyday activities as well as the way we work. The celebration highlighted the contributions and achievements of staff across the division, including the introduction of new services (Harrow Children’s), and looked forward to the priorities in 2022.

Hosted by Graeme Caul (Goodall Managing Director), Helen Willetts (Goodall Director of Nursing and Director of IPC) and Dr Paul Hopper (Goodall Medical Director), the event included an array of guest speakers and a staff awards ceremony.

Claire Murdoch, CNWL Chief Executive joined the celebration, reciting Michael Rosen’s poem, ‘These Are The Hands’ to the 260 participants. Rosen wrote the poem as a patient, and was inspired by the NHS staff at St Pancras who supported him throughout his rehabilitation journey. “It beautifully captures our purpose and our diverse colleagues and patients,” Claire said.

We heard from voices across our Staff Networks, alongside Head of EDI, J’nelle James, and Chief Nurse Fellow Clarence Gwashavanhu, who all drew attention to the important work we’re doing at CNWL around diversity and inclusion. J’nelle said: “inclusion is a skill that can be developed and learned just like other skills.”

We welcomed external speaker, Naomi Sesay, Broadcaster and Diversity and Inclusion Expert, who gave an inspiring and powerful keynote address, ‘Hidden in plain sight’. Sharing personal experiences from her childhood and the beginnings of her journey as a broadcaster and diversity advocate, Naomi emphasised the importance of inclusion – how it needs to be at the heart of the way we live, the way we work and the way we treat each other.

During her keynote address, Naomi said:

“We are here today to push our boundaries of self-discovery. Comfort has never been our compass. No one gets to the top of their field without stepping out of their comfort zone. Conversations about race, cultural fluency, inclusion, equity and belonging are no different. As leaders in your own right, it is vital to step out of your comfort zone and step into that uncomfortable space. That’s where we learn something new and that’s where the magic happens.”

Wrapping up the celebration was the staff awards ceremony, where we announced the winners across eight categories. Well done to all the recipients, who are listed below: