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Everybody is welcome – A word on National Inclusion Week

Posted on: 26 September 2022

This week is National Inclusion Week (26 September – 2 October) and in recognition of the GP Care Group's proudly diverse workforce, we wanted to reiterate our commitment to being an inclusive organisation. 

This year’s theme - ‘Time to Act: The Power of Now’ - highlights a more action-focused approach to inclusion which is needed to bring about impactful change.

Our Joint CEO Chris Banks and our Inclusion Officer Layla Abdi have shared some thoughts about inclusion in the Care Group and our responsibility to support a fair society for all. 

Chris Banks

“In Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, where the GP Care Group operates, we have some of the most diverse communities in the country, and they bring a richness of culture, language, customs and experience that few can match. These areas also have challenges.  

“While our communities are diverse, our society has a long way to go before we can say it is just and fair and inclusive of all, as evidenced by the wide disparity in health and wealth of individuals and groups. As a large employer and service provider in the Boroughs, we have a part to play in changing the balance. For some we are not moving fast enough, and there is always more we must do, but for now, in this bulletin, we celebrate what we have achieved so far and keep working toward a future that is truly inclusive and fair to all.”

 

Layla Abdi

“National Inclusion week has been an opportunity for me to reflect on how very welcome I have been made to feel at the Care Group since I joined earlier this year. I feel like I genuinely belong. I feel my identity - Black, Muslim with parental responsibilities, is welcome. This has made a massive difference in my role and contributed significantly to my personal and professional enjoyment.”

“My commitment to being more inclusive on a personal level is to lean into my love of making real human connections, so I plan to spend more time reaching out and connecting with my colleagues across teams and departments, and I challenge you all to do the same. An action to support this could be having lunch with someone you wouldn’t normally.” 

“I end my musings with a quote from American actress America Ferrera that I think is very apt.”  

“My identity is a superpower – not an obstacle.”