Milestone calling for Calon as staff network is open to all
A staff network championing acceptance, respect and dignity for all is approaching a milestone anniversary.
The Calon LGBT+ and Allies Network, set up in 2016, is a self-organised group of dedicated staff within Swansea Bay University Health Board who give their own time and resources to foster a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation.
While one of the group’s main goals is to increase the visibility of LGBT+ individuals so both staff and patients feel safe to be themselves when going to work or accessing services, it opens its doors to all staff.
Calon, which is approaching its tenth year, was based on a report that highlighted over 50 per cent of NHS staff and users felt discriminated against because of their gender, identity or sexuality.
It has made huge strides in making a difference, and has previously been shortlisted for the Excellence in Equality & Inclusion Award at the health board’s annual awards evening.
It is now joined in its goal of equality for all by the health board’s three-year Strategic Equality Plan – called We All Belong - based on the views of over 4,500 people, including patients and our staff, on their healthcare experiences.
Feedback explained that an individual’s differences sometimes made it more difficult to access healthcare or to fulfil their potential in our workplace, which can result in poorer physical and mental health.
We are committed to recognising everyone whether as a patient, family member or colleague as an individual and helping them to access and feel they belong in our services and our workplace.
As a result, the health board has prioritised eight areas to concentrate on in 2025-26, with a LGBT+ Action Plan among them.
Robert Workman, deputy head of occupational therapy, is Calon chair.
He said: “I’m very proud of the work we have done with Calon and the work that fits into the We All Belong initiative.
PICTURED: Calon Chair Robert Workman.
“We set up the network and have done lots of awareness events and reached out to the community. The feedback we have had is that it makes them safe and happy and that they belong in the organisation.
“We are aware, though, that some people feel the staff networks are exclusive and many people don’t meet the protected characteristics of the staff networks and felt they are not belonging.
“That’s why with Calon, even though we focus on LGBT+ issues, the message we give is one of acceptance, respect and dignity for all people whatever their differences. It doesn’t have to be anything that links with LGBT+ because it is what we all need to feel like we belong in the organisation whether you are a service user or staff member.
“We give out lanyards to members and that has led to feedback that staff and service users do feel confident when they are expressing their sexual or gender identity when they see someone wearing the lanyards, and they feel accepted and that they belong here. We are also very grateful for the support of the Charitable Trust team for funding the lanyards.”
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