Anti-racism award launched after nurse’s landmark tribunal
Posted 04 October 2023 - 09:00
Michelle Cox has teamed up with the RCN Foundation to award an annual grant to support nurses and midwives leading anti-racism and racial equality projects
A black nurse who won a landmark tribunal against NHS England for discrimination because of her race has launched a grant to support nurses championing diversity and inclusion at work.
Award will be a ‘positive legacy’ after landmark discrimination case
Michelle Cox was working as a continuing healthcare manager in Manchester when she blew the whistle on poor practice and discrimination by her manager.
Dissatisfied with the way her complaints of racism were handled and certain she had been mistreated for whistleblowing, she took her employer to industrial tribunal and won a landmark case with legal support from the RCN.
A judgment in February 2023 found she had been excluded by her manager who had created an ‘intimidating, hostile and humiliating’ working environment.
Determined to create a positive legacy from the devastating impact that the legal battle had on her Ms Cox has partnered with the RCN Foundation to launch an annual grant of £2,500 to support nurses and midwives leading anti-racism and racial equality projects.
‘Developing a culture of anti-racism improves race equality and promotes an environment of psychological safety,’ Ms Cox said.
‘Those who have experienced race discrimination, or in fact discrimination in all its guises will understand the importance of feeling safe. Ultimately, all anti-discrimination work will not only benefit our workforce but patients too.’
‘It was imperative that the application criteria are inclusive – so whether you are a single-handed practitioner or part of a wider team or network the criteria has that flexibility. Nothing is out of the realm – be creative and imagine a world without discrimination.
Applicants should submit their project plans by 6 November
Projects should aim to build anti-racist workplaces and could include the development of webinars and virtual learning packages, Global Majority mentoring or leadership programmes, reverse mentoring and advocacy.
RCN Foundation director Deepa Korea said: ‘Michelle Cox's commitment to promoting inclusivity stands as a testament to the importance of addressing discrimination in nursing.
‘Her unwavering commitment to change echoes through this award, offering hope and inspiration to those who oppose racism and promote racial equality in nursing and midwifery.’
Applications for the award are now open. Candidates should submit their project plan by 6 November and must be a registered nurse or midwife and a member of the RCN to apply.
Apply for the Michelle Cox RCN Foundation Anti-racism Award
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