UNISON officer and activist recognised by health journal

Each year the HSJ (formerly the Health Service Journal) names the 50 most influential Black people in health policy in England over the upcoming 12 months.

The list is published to coincide with Black History Month which this year is themed Saluting Our Sisters. This year, the HSJ has recognised two UNISON women in the top10 – Helga Pile, UNISON’s deputy head of health, and May Parsons, a prominent health activist in the union.

Helga Pile

Helga Pile

Helga was recognised partly for her key role in this year’s NHS pay dispute, noting she was often the public face of UNISON on TV and radio throughout the strikes (pictured at the top).

Her efforts to combat race discrimination were also highlighted, particularly with UNISON’s Race for Equality campaign, and her work calling for the NHS to step up work on challenging racism in the workplace.

Speaking about Helga, UNISON’s head of health Sara Gorton said: “This is a much-deserved acknowledgment of Helga’s contribution, skills and talent.

“It is also testament to the importance and quality of the work UNISON delivers in health workplaces across the NHS through our branches and regions.

“Congratulations Helga, and thank you for your hard work for the union.”

May Parsons

May Parsons stood in front of 'University Hospital'

May works as associate chief nurse director for governance, risk and compliance at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust. She was recognised for a number of reasons, particularly her role in the delivery of the first COVID vaccination outside of clinical trials almost three years ago.

However, she has since represented the NHS on a national stage, receiving the George Cross from Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the service, together with chief executive of NHS England Amanda Pritchard, before also taking part in the late Queen’s funeral procession.

The recognition also highlighted her work as regional director for the Filipino Nurses Association.

Speaking of May, Stuart Tuckwood, UNISON’s national officer for nursing, said: “May is an inspirational figure to many in the UK and across the world. She’s also a committed and intelligent advocate, both for her nursing colleagues in UNISON and the nurses of the future; here and in the Philippines.

“May is part of the overseas nurse’s network in UNISON which helps us to best support and campaign for the many nurses from other countries who are living and working in the UK. Congratulations to her on her well-deserved recognition.”

UNISON had previously highlighted May’s exceptional work, including her role in the delivery of the first COVID vaccination in a feature.

‘I’m very happy to be here. I really feel I have accomplished a dream’

The article UNISON officer and activist recognised by health journal first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON officer and activist recognised by health journal

Each year the HSJ (formerly the Health Service Journal) names the 50 most influential Black people in health policy in England over the upcoming 12 months.

The list is published to coincide with Black History Month which this year is themed Saluting Our Sisters. This year, the HSJ has recognised two UNISON women in the top10 – Helga Pile, UNISON’s deputy head of health, and May Parsons, a prominent health activist in the union.

Helga Pile

Helga Pile

Helga was recognised partly for her key role in this year’s NHS pay dispute, noting she was often the public face of UNISON on TV and radio throughout the strikes (pictured at the top).

Her efforts to combat race discrimination were also highlighted, particularly with UNISON’s Race for Equality campaign, and her work calling for the NHS to step up work on challenging racism in the workplace.

Speaking about Helga, UNISON’s head of health Sara Gorton said: “This is a much-deserved acknowledgment of Helga’s contribution, skills and talent.

“It is also testament to the importance and quality of the work UNISON delivers in health workplaces across the NHS through our branches and regions.

“Congratulations Helga, and thank you for your hard work for the union.”

May Parsons

May Parsons stood in front of 'University Hospital'

May works as associate chief nurse director for governance, risk and compliance at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust. She was recognised for a number of reasons, particularly her role in the delivery of the first COVID vaccination outside of clinical trials almost three years ago.

However, she has since represented the NHS on a national stage, receiving the George Cross from Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the service, together with chief executive of NHS England Amanda Pritchard, before also taking part in the late Queen’s funeral procession.

The recognition also highlighted her work as regional director for the Filipino Nurses Association.

Speaking of May, Stuart Tuckwood, UNISON’s national officer for nursing, said: “May is an inspirational figure to many in the UK and across the world. She’s also a committed and intelligent advocate, both for her nursing colleagues in UNISON and the nurses of the future; here and in the Philippines.

“May is part of the overseas nurse’s network in UNISON which helps us to best support and campaign for the many nurses from other countries who are living and working in the UK. Congratulations to her on her well-deserved recognition.”

UNISON had previously highlighted May’s exceptional work, including her role in the delivery of the first COVID vaccination in a feature.

‘I’m very happy to be here. I really feel I have accomplished a dream’

The article UNISON officer and activist recognised by health journal first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Trade unions wouldn’t be the same without Black Britons

Throughout history, the contributions of Black people have been overlooked and ignored. But Black History Month and UNISON’s Year of Black Workers are all about getting Black people’s achievements recognised and appreciated all year round.

Key Black figures have been at the forefront of fighting for social justice and equal rights in the UK. They’ve been instrumental in developing Britain’s culture, art and society as we know it now.

During this year’s Black History Month, we’ve been celebrating their achievements, but particularly those of Black women, as community builders, trade unionists, change makers and trailblazing political influencers. Like Olive Morris, a 1960s and 1970s south London community activist who fought for Black women’s rights and organised others to oppose inequalities.

The trade union movement – and UNISON – wouldn’t be the same without Black Britons. UNISON has over 185,000 Black members and hundreds of Black staff, and some of them have made history.

May Parsons, an NHS matron, administered the first NHS Covid-19 vaccine to 90-year-old Maggie Keenan. This year, May was recognised as one of the most influential Black women in health by the HSJ magazine, along with our deputy head of health Helga Pile.

Saluting our Sisters: Black History Month

I’ve spoken many times during UNISON’s Year of Black Workers about the 75th anniversary of Empire Windrush, and the 75th birthday of our NHS. If that ship had never docked in Tilbury, we wouldn’t have our NHS today. New migrants from the Caribbean helped to build our NHS, and the struggles they’ve faced since then will never be forgotten by UNISON. We’re committed to our legal action against the government’s decision to renege on actions that would give justice to victims of the Windrush scandal and prevent another similar scandal from happening again.

But there is still a lot of work to do. NHS workforce data shows that Black workers are still underrepresented in senior roles, and many experience harassment and bullying from the patients. Black women are often disadvantaged in the workplace and ethnicity pay gaps still persist, meaning Black workers are not getting the pay and recognition they’re owed.

We will continue to use UNISON’s Year of Black Workers to establish a legacy to generate change, and build on our campaigns to push for more change in UNISON, in society and through government – at the next general election and beyond.

Because, as the biggest and best trade union in the UK, we take our responsibility in challenging racist policies and championing anti-racist campaigns seriously. We know that, together, we can make the UK a place where Black people are never left underrepresented, undervalued or underpaid.

The article Blog: Trade unions wouldn’t be the same without Black Britons first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Trade unions wouldn’t be the same without Black Britons

Throughout history, the contributions of Black people have been overlooked and ignored. But Black History Month and UNISON’s Year of Black Workers are all about getting Black people’s achievements recognised and appreciated all year round.

Key Black figures have been at the forefront of fighting for social justice and equal rights in the UK. They’ve been instrumental in developing Britain’s culture, art and society as we know it now.

During this year’s Black History Month, we’ve been celebrating their achievements, but particularly those of Black women, as community builders, trade unionists, change makers and trailblazing political influencers. Like Olive Morris, a 1960s and 1970s south London community activist who fought for Black women’s rights and organised others to oppose inequalities.

The trade union movement – and UNISON – wouldn’t be the same without Black Britons. UNISON has over 185,000 Black members and hundreds of Black staff, and some of them have made history.

May Parsons, an NHS matron, administered the first NHS Covid-19 vaccine to 90-year-old Maggie Keenan. This year, May was recognised as one of the most influential Black women in health by the HSJ magazine, along with our deputy head of health Helga Pile.

Saluting our Sisters: Black History Month

I’ve spoken many times during UNISON’s Year of Black Workers about the 75th anniversary of Empire Windrush, and the 75th birthday of our NHS. If that ship had never docked in Tilbury, we wouldn’t have our NHS today. New migrants from the Caribbean helped to build our NHS, and the struggles they’ve faced since then will never be forgotten by UNISON. We’re committed to our legal action against the government’s decision to renege on actions that would give justice to victims of the Windrush scandal and prevent another similar scandal from happening again.

But there is still a lot of work to do. NHS workforce data shows that Black workers are still underrepresented in senior roles, and many experience harassment and bullying from the patients. Black women are often disadvantaged in the workplace and ethnicity pay gaps still persist, meaning Black workers are not getting the pay and recognition they’re owed.

We will continue to use UNISON’s Year of Black Workers to establish a legacy to generate change, and build on our campaigns to push for more change in UNISON, in society and through government – at the next general election and beyond.

Because, as the biggest and best trade union in the UK, we take our responsibility in challenging racist policies and championing anti-racist campaigns seriously. We know that, together, we can make the UK a place where Black people are never left underrepresented, undervalued or underpaid.

The article Blog: Trade unions wouldn’t be the same without Black Britons first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Trade unions wouldn’t be the same without Black members

Throughout history, the contributions of Black people have been overlooked and ignored. But Black History Month and UNISON’s Year of Black Workers are all about getting Black people’s achievements recognised and appreciated all year round.

Key Black figures have been at the forefront of fighting for social justice and equal rights in the UK. They’ve been instrumental in developing Britain’s culture, art and society as we know it now.

During this year’s Black History Month, we’ve been celebrating their achievements, but particularly those of Black women, as community builders, trade unionists, change makers and trailblazing political influencers. Like Olive Morris, a 1960s and 1970s south London community activist who fought for Black women’s rights and organised others to oppose inequalities.

The trade union movement – and UNISON – wouldn’t be the same without Black members. UNISON has over 185,000 of them and hundreds of Black staff, and some of them have made history.

May Parsons, an NHS matron, administered the first NHS Covid-19 vaccine to 90-year-old Maggie Keenan. This year, May was recognised as one of the most influential Black women in health by the HSJ magazine, along with our deputy head of health Helga Pile.

Saluting our Sisters: Black History Month

I’ve spoken many times during UNISON’s Year of Black Workers about the 75th anniversary of Empire Windrush, and the 75th birthday of our NHS. If that ship had never docked in Tilbury, we wouldn’t have our NHS today. New migrants from the Caribbean helped to build our NHS, and the struggles they’ve faced since then will never be forgotten by UNISON. We’re committed to our legal action against the government’s decision to renege on actions that would give justice to victims of the Windrush scandal and prevent another similar scandal from happening again.

But there is still a lot of work to do. NHS workforce data shows that Black workers are still underrepresented in senior roles, and many experience harassment and bullying from the patients. Black women are often disadvantaged in the workplace and ethnicity pay gaps still persist, meaning Black workers are not getting the pay and recognition they’re owed.

We will continue to use UNISON’s Year of Black Workers to establish a legacy to generate change, and build on our campaigns to push for more change in UNISON, in society and through government – at the next general election and beyond.

Because, as the biggest and best trade union in the UK, we take our responsibility in challenging racist policies and championing anti-racist campaigns seriously. We know that, together, we can make the UK a place where Black people are never left underrepresented, undervalued or underpaid.

The article Blog: Trade unions wouldn’t be the same without Black members first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Power and unity – the theme for this year’s Black History Month

When the contribution of Black Britons to society is undervalued, overlooked, ignored or distorted so much, it’s important to keep a sharp focus on promoting a positive culture. A culture that allows learning, openness and inclusivity to flourish.

Because Black people have been a fundamental part of British history and have had a global impact since time began.

That’s also why Black History Month is so important to the trade union movement and to UNISON. The struggle for positive change in the workplace is intrinsically linked to fighting racism and discrimination and wouldn’t be possible without Black workers and Black trade unionists’ constant contribution. 

This year’s theme encourages a deeper discussion about how Black people have come together to create that change in society. And as always, it is a time to reflect on the achievements of members from the Black community. 

Britain’s Black History Month was started by Akyaaba Addi-Sebo in October 1987. When it first started there was a big focus on Black American history, but this has become less so overtime, and attention is now drawn to the contribution of Black Britons and their Black history, with key figures from across the UK becoming more prominent.

We all now know that COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact on Black workers and communities – working on the front line, exposed to COVID-19 and in insecure jobs.

This only compounded widespread institutional racism, so it is vital to focus our minds on challenging racism in the workplace, by having those broader conversations about deep-rooted racism. 

I am so proud of UNISON’s work on fighting discrimination. We produced guidelines on Challenging Racism in the Workplace and continue to campaign to close the ethnicity pay gap.

We’ve supported many of our members caught up in the Windrush scandal, and those affected by the devastating impact of the hostile environment policy that’s seen migrant workers, asylum seekers, refugees and their families torn apart.

Most recently, we’ve been campaigning against the government’s Rwanda policy, adopted the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia and signed up to the Anti-Racism Charter.

UNISON will continue to be at the forefront of championing Black members’ issues and making a difference. Because powerful change can only come if we work together in unity to eradicate it.

The article Blog: Power and unity – the theme for this year’s Black History Month first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Black History Month: Black NHS workers going above and beyond

Alvina Ware

UNISON member Alvina Ware (pictured above) is a clinical practice support worker at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath. Over the past two years, Alvina has transformed hair and skincare for Black patients at the hospital.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alvina began to notice that elderly Black patients on her ward weren’t getting the skincare and haircare they needed – and set about to change that.

“Culturally it’s so important for our hair and skin to be oiled,” she  explains. “Skin is the biggest organ in the body, and usually when a Black elderly person is in hospital, their family will come and take care of them, bringing moisturiser and doing their hair.”

During lockdown, when family visits were banned, Alvina started bringing her own products from home to make sure that Black elderly people in her ward were taken care of.

“I kept seeing people who were Black, sick or dying, and when their family members weren’t able to come in due to lockdown, they didn’t have the right products for their hair and skin. I knew their families at home would be so upset if they knew their hair wasn’t right and they didn’t have what they needed for their skin.

“I remember seeing a Black gentleman in one of the bays who had really dry legs, but no moisturiser, and the shops were shut because of lockdown. I asked him what cream he usually uses at home and he said Palmers, which I had in my bag. I decanted it into a bottle for him. He was so happy.”

This was a lightbulb moment for Alvina. “As a Black woman, I know how important hair is. I began to ask: what products do we have in hospitals for Black patients? Are they suitable?”

Alvina visited the on-site charity that provides basic wash bags for patients – including things like soap, a toothbrush and shower gel – to see if she could get some supplies for her patient. When she asked whether there was anything suitable for Black skin, the answer was no.

“I said to myself: I need to get these products onto the ward.”

With the help of UNISON, Alvina produced a patient care guide for hospital staff on Black hair and skin. UNISON also helped her purchase small trial packs of moisturiser and hair products, afro combs and silk caps to hand to Black patients.

Patient care guide for black hair

Patient care guide for black hair

“I took the packs round to all the wards, and also gave them to Black hospital workers. It was good to make them feel included, because when we get freebies, they’re often products made for white skin. We’re particular with our coconut oils and cocoa butters.”

Alvina has since become the RUH inclusion ambassador, and the hospital has committed to replenish the care packs for Black patients. Alvina now teaches a module on Black hair and skin to healthcare assistants and student nurses, with the dual aim of “demystifying Black hair for white colleagues” and making sure that Black patients get the care they need.

Alvina Ware and Sherron Watson

Alvina Ware and Sherron Watson, inclusion ambassadors at RUH Bath

“I noticed that my white colleagues were too afraid to ask people’s family members how to look after Black hair and skin, so it was left to me to do it. I recommend that white healthcare workers just ask, and be educated. Otherwise, we end up with our poor elders all dried up in their beds.”

Alvina is proud of what she’s achieved, and knows there’s still more to be done. She sees Black History Month as a “celebration”, and this year she’ll be using the opportunity to run Black hair tutorials for hospital workers.

Chris Akaluka

UNISON Newham healthcare branch secretary Chris Akaluka (pictured below) is a security supervisor for Barts Health NHS trust. Like Alvina, he also sees Black History Month as a celebration. In October, his branch is coordinating an event to celebrate Black members’ talents and skills outside of work. It’s titled ‘Much More Than You Are’.

Chris says: “We want to give people the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, to look beyond their bands and the colours of their uniform.

“In the NHS, we have a problem I refer to as ‘bandism’, where people on higher bands look down on those on lower bands. I don’t think people are always aware they do this, but sometimes people want to know what band you’re on before they decide if what you say is relevant.”

In the NHS, where only 7.4% of workers on highest bands are Black, the ‘bandism’ Chris describes becomes a racialised problem.

“The event is an opportunity to truly create an all-inclusive environment. People participating in this exhibition cut across all bands in our branch. It’s an opportunity to tell everybody that they are truly much more than their band, and their job. We have people who will be showing film, fashion designs, food, photography and performing songs. I have an MA in film, and I’ll be showing my films.”

As winter approaches and the cost of living crisis bites, Chris believes the timing for the event is key.

“The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Black NHS workers. A lot of my colleagues right now are still going through some sort of PTSD. The cost of living crisis is impacting the Black community too, because most of us tend to take up lower paid jobs. People are forging along despite these challenges, and we want to help take people’s minds off the difficult times and have a good laugh.”

Chris feels conflicted on the idea of Black History Month: “The idea of devoting a month of October each year to Black history and celebrating the brilliance of Black people is great, however a lot more work needs to be done to improve the experiences of Black people all year round.”

Chris’ branch recently won a key insourcing campaign for Black members. After outsourcing several hospital services to Serco in 2016, thanks to UNISON, Barts Health NHS Trust will now directly employ 1,800 workers from May 2023.

“Around 90% of these workers are Black, and we’re preparing for this insourcing by partnering with North East London College and Serco to provide free English lessons to members who don’t have English as a first language. This means that they’ll have more opportunities when they become part of the NHS workforce. Some of them have degrees from other countries, but they have never had interviews in the UK. We want to make sure they can take any opportunity that comes their way.”

Rosita Ellis

Rosita Ellis works for the NHS in Oxfordshire to improve access to healthcare for Black patients. She says: “My priority is to get more access to the health service for the Black community, so they can access better health outcomes. For example, there’s a lot of hesitancy around the COVID-19 vaccine in the Black community, and I’ve been working to increase vaccine uptake.”

Rosita is the first Black woman to become a UNISON regional convenor for the South East region.

She first joined UNISON to advocate for Black workers’ rights. “I saw a Black worker being bullied by a senior manager, and I knew I had to do something. I trained as a UNISON steward and supported the person to make sure the manager’s behaviour changed.”

Since then, Rosita has served in several positions for the union, working her way up from Black members’ officer to branch chair for Oxfordshire Health and then regional Black members chair. She’s proud to be the first Black woman to be a regional convenor for her region.

“You don’t see an awful lot of Black members of committees. On a lot of the committees I go to, I’m the only Black face. A lot of these committees are white faces. That needs to change. Just as NHS England are keen that they see more Black people in the higher ranks of the NHS, I’m keen to see more Black people in the higher echelons of UNISON and become more active.”

Rosita wants to see UNISON leading the way on race, not just for one month. “Black History Month needs to be celebrated, but throughout the year. There’s a lot of achievements that Black people have made that need to be celebrated more. UNISON should be leading the way on this.”

UNISON national officer for health Sara Gorton says: “Black History Month is a chance to celebrate and recognise Black people throughout history, whose achievements have often been ignored or overlooked. This October, we wanted to showcase the work of some of our Black members working in the NHS who we think are “making history now”.

Healthcare staff and union reps can make a huge difference to people’s lives – from giving patients the care they need, to supporting others when they have problems at work and leading collective change in their workplace. These are the things that can change people’s lives immeasurably and that’s why we want to celebrate our members and share their inspirational stories.”

The article Black History Month: Black NHS workers going above and beyond first appeared on the UNISON National site.