60 seconds with Rob Selley, Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ staff diversity network
Tell us about yourself and your job role?
My name is Rob Selley and I’m one of the co-chairs of the LGBTQ+ Staff Diversity Network at Barts Health. My day job is Deputy Director of Operations at Newham University Hospital.
Can you tell us a bit about the NHS Rainbow Badge?
The Rainbow Badge initiative gives healthcare staff a way to show that their place of work offers open, non-judgemental and inclusive care for all who identify as LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, the + simply means inclusive of all identities, regardless of how people define themselves).
The initiative originated at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and community services, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Its simple objective is to make a positive difference by promoting a message of inclusion.
The badge itself is intended to be a simple visual symbol identifying its wearer as someone who an LGBT+ person can feel comfortable talking to about issues relating to sexuality or gender identity. It shows that the wearer is there to listen without judgement and signpost to further support if needed and all staff that buy one will be asked to sign a pledge to say that they are happy to do so.
How do you feel about the Rainbow Badge being launched?
We are incredibly excited about the launch of the NHS rainbow badge at Barts Health as it’s a great way of visibly supporting our LGBTQ staff and patients. We’ve been so grateful to all our colleagues around the Trust who have been wearing our network badge on their uniforms and lanyards and feedback from staff shows it has had a positive response from patients and visitors. The great thing about the Rainbow badge is that Trusts all across the country are adopting the initiative which means it we be more widely recognisable as a sign of support as well as an important message that the NHS is an inclusive organisation.
Where can staff get hold of one?
They are being launched today to coincide with the Barts Health Open day and will be available on the Inclusion stalls. Following the open day, you will be able to get one from any of our LGBTQ+ network site leads. Their names and contact details are available on our new WeShare page [link]. We are asking for a contribution of £2, and profits from the badge will go towards creating improvements for LGBTQ+ staff and patients across the organisation.
How can LGBT+ staff get involved with the network? When was it launched?
It’s now been running for over three years and is going from strength to strength. Please visit our WeShare page [link] to find out about our achievements so far, our aims for the future and how to join.
Do you think Barts Health is an inclusive organisation?
In my personal experience I have found it to be so, however we know we have a long way to go. I’ve been so encouraged by how the our Group and site executive teams have been behind all the diversity and inclusion networks so I think we have the potential to be one of the leaders in the NHS.
What are the biggest challenges?
Recruiting staff to our network! I think because staff generally feel comfortable working in Barts Health, they may not feel the need to join our network, but I believe visibility is the key to greater acceptance. You also don’t need to identify as LGBTQ+ to join, we are recruiting allies too! All we ask is an hour a month to attend the meetings and support with our projects whenever you can spare some time.
Rob Selley
Deputy Director of Operations
Newham University Hospital
Co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Diversity Network at Barts Health