Publish date: 3 October 2024

The Trust is celebrating the first of its Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) to complete the BAME AHP Leadership Programme.

BAME stands for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic, and the aim of the programme is to ensure that the AHP senior leaders of the future are more representative of the wider AHP workforce and the populations they serve.

The programme was launched in January 2024 with the specific aim of supporting BAME colleagues in developing their leadership skills, so they feel more confident applying for promotions in the future.

The programme concluded on Thursday 26 September, with participants coming together to share what they’ve learned and reflect on the next steps in their careers.

Helen Lycett, Associate Director for AHPs at West London NHS Trust, said: "The BAME AHP Leadership Programme is part of my personal commitment to increasing the diversity of senior AHP leaders in the Trust. For too long, the AHP workforce has not represented the populations we serve, and this disparity only widens at Band 8a and above. This programme is the first step towards reducing this gap and breaking the glass ceiling for our BAME AHP colleagues."

The BAME AHP leadership programme was fully supported by the Trusts QI team who facilitated shared learning events and provided coaching for the individuals on the programme. The input of the team was invaluable in helping the candidates navigate their projects and developing their quality improvement skills.

You can find out more about becoming an AHP at West London NHS Trust on our website.