R&I Division promotes commitment to Equality and Diversity at the Manchester Pride Parade

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, staff from the Research and Innovation (R&I) Division joined with colleagues from Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) and other NHS Trusts across the region to take part in this year’s Manchester Pride Parade.

Each year the Manchester Pride Parade is awash with colour and life as thousands of people march through the city centre with banners of support for the LGBT communities.

Led by Stephanie Yau, R&I Equality and Diversity Coordinator, staff from the Division spread the word that we do research, and that we are committed to creating a fairer, more inclusive NHS for our colleagues and patients.

Stephanie said, “We had so much fun at pride this weekend. It was important for us to show our support for the LGBT communities and promote diversity in research, by taking part in the parade.  We want to encourage people to consider getting involved in research no matter anyone’s race, gender or sexuality”

The R&I Division is committed to embedding equality and diversity within its approach to improving health through research.

Iain McLean, Senior Divisional Research Manager added: “In order to advance health outcomes for future generations, it’s important that we drive improvement and understanding and be committed to drawing on the skills, understanding and experience of a wide range of people from all communities when delivering and designing research studies at CMFT.”

This year, the parade’s theme was; the Class of 2017: The Graduation Parade. This theme centred on the importance of education to help fight the end of inequalities still faced by LGBT people around the world.