Black Leaders Awareness Day is about celebrating Black Leaders and inspiring future leaders by sharing wisdom and knowledge from those who came before them.

Here, Priscilla Masvipurwa, our Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee Chair and Hospital Director at Kneesworth House, shares why representation matters and what is needed to support the Black leaders of the future:

“Last year I was interviewed for Black Leaders Awareness Day, along with Palmer Chinosengwa, Hospital Director at Priory Hospital Lincolnshire , I didn’t know what Black Leaders Awareness Day was, or feel like I had done anything to merit this attention but it was nice to be celebrated!

“Then earlier this year I became the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee Chair and posted some updates on LinkedIn, since then I have been inundated with messages from people within Healthcare (both in Priory and beyond) asking me for advice to further their career,  how I have dealt with challenges and what it is like to be a Black leader.

“Representation matters and I now understand better why it is important for people from all communities to see different types of leaders, if you can see it, you can be it. It sounds so simple but we know it’s not.

The importance of support structures

“I’ve seen Black colleagues and those of colour achieve leadership positions, only to find that once they get there, there is no support structures for them, no understanding of who they are or the unique challenges they may face and that can often lead to colleagues leaving. This is why we need unconscious bias training, which is available to everyone at Priory, to have a better understanding of your own biases and how they can negatively impact those around you.

“When a leader of colour fails, these negative experiences often deter the people around them too, others will feel less confident about stepping outside their role into more senior positions, even though they are capable.

“So what can we do to help?

“We need to create a landscape where everyone can thrive and we have the capacity to understand that different people need different things and start at different points. I’m pleased we at Priory have launched Inclusion and Belonging training for our current leaders to help them understand how they can create spaces where colleagues feel safe, can be themselves and thrive.

Champion, mentor and endorse

“Our current leaders should also champion, mentor and  endorse their teams, including those from underrepresented communities to be the leaders of the future.  Rebekah Cresswell, our CEO is reverse mentoring me, she has invited me to many meetings to observe and at the beginning of every single one she will say who I am, what I am doing there and tells the room my aspiration to be a great leader at Priory. That is powerful and important for both me, and for them.

“Current leaders should understand their power and privilege, they should nurture, mentor and coach colleagues. They should speak to their teams about what support is needed for them to thrive and put that in place. I say to leaders I meet, these are your people, the benefits of diverse teams have been well documented and why wouldn’t you want your team to thrive.

Building the foundation

There is work to be done as an organisation too. Every organisation needs to put the support structures in place to enable colleagues from underrepresented groups to thrive. We have laid the groundwork with training and with our networks, now we have to work on our data to understand exactly who we are as an organisation and where our gaps are.  A BME mentoring scheme is also part of the People Plan.

“We are in a great position at Priory, we have a CEO and a Board willing to fight this fight, they have moved beyond words and are taking action, but we all need to join them and play our part. If you would like to join our BME network please email  PrioryBMENetwork@priorygroup.com.

Angela says: “I am based at Kneesworth House Hospital in Hertfordshire. I starting working here back in 2013 and have enjoyed being the sole dietitian looking after the nutritional needs of around 100 plus service users.

“Alongside my permanent role I became the Professional Lead Dietitian back in 2021. This role was the first of its kind within Priory and has been a fantastic addition to my role within the company. My Professional Lead role has helped me build strong networks with other Dietitians nationwide, share good practice and look at ways to continually build our clinical and professional skills.

“I have been a HCPC Registered Dietitian for the past 20 years. I have been fortunate enough to have worked in a number of different clinical specialisms and have always had great mentors along the way. I have previously been in a situation where I have applied for a role that I knew I was not suitable for but was still given the opportunity due to my eagerness to learn.

“I got to where I am now by not being afraid to fail, staying focused, always being keen to learn new skills, open to new challenges and remaining positive.

“Any challenges that I have faced over the years have appeared to work out in my favour. I have missed out on training opportunities, been over looked for promotions and on occasions generally not taken seriously in certain health care or commercial working environments. As I previously mentioned, these challenges have eventually worked in my favour in some shape or form. The message is, everything is about timing and when it is your time, it’s your time.

“Priory is very fortunate to have such a diverse group of employees. We respect and celebrate each other’s similarities and differences and tend to have a family orientated working environment. If we have any concerns or if we feel as though our voices are not being heard we have systems in place to escalate and work through these issues.

“I would advise ALL colleagues to stay focused, be professional at all times! Be compassionate, kind and keep learning. Never be afraid to fail, then get up and try again.”

I’ve worked for Priory since 2020 and as I reflect on my career journey, I am filled with gratitude, for all those who believed in that I could..  My path has been anything but traditional, and I proudly embrace what some may call a "Squiggly Career." It is a career that does not follow the traditional career ladder route and has allowed me to explore different passions and interests.

Initially, my family suggested that I pursue a career in childcare, which I did. Although it was a valuable experience, there was always a burning desire within me to pursue acting. I took a leap of faith and dabbled in a few Film Extra roles, including a memorable scene where I was in running in the background of a scene with the legendary Sylvester Stallone in Judge Dredd.

In my career journey, I pursued further qualifications in Family Support with young people and their families. Alongside my professional career, I took on the personal role of fostering teenagers, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. In recognition of my dedication, I was honoured with an ‘Excellence in Fostering Award in Fostering’ in 2008.

In 2011 I experienced redundancy in my role as Children's and Young People's Participation Officer for a local authority. However, fate intervened, and I was blessed with the opportunity to be redeployed as a Sure Start Children's Centre Manager. This role provided me with invaluable insights into management and leadership, and I discovered a new passion for facilities and estate management while overseeing the operations of three buildings.

In 2017, I was entrusted with managing the Family and Friends Assistance Centre, a remarkable support hub dedicated to aiding the bereaved families and survivors affected by the tragic Grenfell Tower disaster. Within its walls, individuals found solace and access to a wide range of support services, bringing comfort and guidance during a time of immense pain. Managing this centre was both an incredible and challenging role, requiring grit, resilience, sensitively and compassion. I was exposed to several Gold level operations with the police and central government alongside coordinating logistics for Secretary of State visits and high profile celebrities.

In 2018, my family went through the heart-breaking experience of losing a close relative in a hospice. Although it was a deeply sad time, we were profoundly touched by the compassionate healthcare and estates staff within the hospice. Their unwavering support and the comforting environment they created made a lasting impact on me. It was during this difficult period that I made a decision to transition into the healthcare field, and undertook new qualifications in facilities and estates management. Driven by a strong desire to contribute to the well-being of others, I am grateful to be a part of Priory MEDIAN, where I have found a meaningful fit for my skills and passions.

Have you faced any challenges or barriers in your career to date?

I’ve faced barriers and challenges, which we all face, however, some of which have been rooted in sexism and racism.

One example of a challenge I experienced was facing redundancy whilst on maternity leave. However, I firmly believe that fate has its own plans, and in this case, I was blessed to be redeployed into a senior and more expansive role than I had before. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of adaptability and seizing opportunities even in the face of adversity.

How did you overcome them?

Overcoming barriers and challenges has required resilience, determination, and a strategic approach.

First and foremost, I’ve focused on building a strong support system. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who understand and empathise with the unique challenges I face as a Black woman has been crucial. Whether it's mentors, colleagues, or fellow leaders, having a network of individuals who champion my abilities and provide guidance has been instrumental in navigating through these barriers.

Through being in an interracial marriage, I get to debate and learn things from a different perspective and am empowered me to confront and challenge discriminatory practices, but it has also given me a deeper understanding of the broader systemic issues at play.

Self-care has also been crucial in overcoming barriers. Taking care of my physical, emotional, and mental well-being has helped me stay resilient in the face of adversity. Engaging in activities such spending time with my family, singing very badly, laughing, getting my nails done, and working on my allotment provide me with the strength and clarity needed to navigate the challenges I encounter.

Lastly, I have drawn inspiration and strength from the countless trail blazing people who have come before me. Their courage, resilience, and determination serve as a constant reminder that progress is possible, even in the face of formidable barriers. By learning from their stories and accomplishments, I have been inspired to persevere and continue breaking down barriers for future generations of Black leaders.

What do you think makes Priory such an inclusive and supportive place to work?

Priory’s inclusivity and supportive environment can be attributed to its commitment to actively work on diversity and equal opportunities, inclusive policies and practices, employee support and development initiatives, employee networks and support groups, and its focus on staff well-being. By prioritising these aspects, Priory has created an environment where employees feel like they are part of a big family.

What advice would you give to BAME colleagues who would like to progress their career at Priory?

My top tips are:-

• Seek mentors who have advanced their careers and gain guidance and support from them.
• Take up development opportunities like training to enhance skills.
• Build a network by attending industry events and engaging with diverse professionals.
• Advocate for your goals, take on responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully.
• Develop resilience to overcome challenges and view them as learning experiences.
• Engage in diversity and inclusion initiatives to make a positive impact on the organisation.
• Prioritise self-care for overall well-being and maintain work-life balance.