Dear colleagues,
The brutal murder of George Floyd has shocked people across the world and I know that many Islington residents and staff alike are feeling anger, pain, fear and revulsion at what has happened.
I know that for many of you, the events of the last week will have had a deep and traumatic impact that has triggered personal experiences of racism and injustice. This comes on top of weeks of isolation, the pressures of Covid-19 and what it is revealing about deep-seated inequality in our society, as highlighted in the report from Public Health England yesterday into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities.
Like many others, I’ve spent the last few days trying to work out how to make sense of this and what comes next, conscious of the important role I have as Chief Executive but also worrying that my own lived experience means I don’t have all the answers. In this, I am grateful to the many staff who have contacted me directly to share how they are feeling and share their ideas about how we move forward together. The need for three things in particular has stood out – understanding, empathy, and then action. The best way for us to move forward as an organisation is to listen to and support each other, and work together to navigate the way ahead.
In the first instance, it is really important to me that our BAME staff get the support they need to secure their wellbeing in the current situation. Please do contact the Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential support and counselling if you feel you need it.
But also, let’s continue to have the conversation and dialogue ourselves. It’s not easy – I know that, and I am grateful to those members of staff who have spoken out to share their experiences or show their support. I strongly believe that it is only by talking openly and frankly – however difficult that is – that we can learn and progress.
What I would like to do next, alongside other senior managers, is listen to staff and hear both their ideas for how we can meaningfully respond to the immediate issues but also what we can do to tackle racism and injustice in the longer term. If you would like to be involved in that conversation, or if you would like to share your ideas and feelings with me by email, please do get in touch.
Thank you as always,
Linzi
|
