‘Strong and engaging leader’ wins BHM award from Royal College of Nursing

26 October 2022

Huge congratulations to assistant director of nursing for Oldham Children’s Community Services, Agnes Leopold-James, who has been awarded the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Black History Month (BHM) Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversion and Inclusion (EDI), for her work as chair of Salford’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff network.

Nominating Agnes for the accolade, NCA’s chief of people Nicky Clarke and acting deputy chief nurse Jacqui Burrow said: “As chair of our Salford BAME staff network for several years, Agnes has represented hundreds of BAME colleagues working in Salford, the NHS and social care.

“She has brought extremely strong leadership to the role, engaging with people to join the network and ensuring that the activities of the network influence the agenda of the wider organisation, as well as encouraging us to broaden our agenda and to listen closely to colleague experiences.

Nicky and Jacqui also highlighted Agnes’ work across other networks and roles. They added: “Agnes has mentored and coached other network chairs across the NCA with the aim of ensuring all colleagues feel supported and heard, while also taking on wider roles such as diversity advocate on executive recruitment panels, bringing strong challenge to senior panel members so that equality is front of mind.”

The awards form part of the RCN North West’s annual event, held virtually this year, to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution of nursing staff from BAME backgrounds who work in health and social care across the region.

A celebratory presentation took place at The Royal Oldham Hospital where Agnes was presented her award by Chief Executive, Dr Owen Williams and Oldham Care Organisation Chief Officer, David Jago.  

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