Colleague awards celebrating inclusion across the organisation

As part of our National Inclusion Week celebrations throughout September we asked colleagues to nominate individuals who go out of their way to promote inclusion for a special colleague award.  

As National Inclusion Week draws to a close we are thrilled to share the winners, chosen by a panel of judges including the Executive sponsor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and the EDI Lead from the Residents Council.

Cressida Stanley-Williams, Wellbeing Service Development Manager

Cressida was instrumental in setting up the original Rainbow colleague network, and has previously co-chaired it. She remains an active member of the group, and also works closely with the resident LGBT+ group to ensure Anchor Hanover continues to focus its attention on diversity and inclusion.

Outside of Anchor Hanover, Cressida also acts as co-chair of HouseProud – the social housing sector’s national LGBT+ network for housing professionals which aims to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues across the industry, share best practice and influence policy and boards/decision makers. She encouraged Anchor Hanover to sign up to the HouseProud Pledge Scheme - committing to co-production with LGBTQ+ residents. 

To quote one of the nominations – “Cressida ensures that that diversity is celebrated, not just included!”

Brian Golton, Head of Property Transformation

Brian has spoken openly about his own mental health for a number of years, and this openness to talk about his own experiences encourages others to do the same, and in doing so get the help they need.

He is also currently working with HR on a webinar looking at managing mental health and long-term absence, during which he will again speak about his own journey with bipolar and how it can impact and be successfully managed in the workplace.

He now co-chairs the Disability Network and is always proactive in providing feedback and suggestions on ways that we can remove any potential barriers and provide equality of opportunity.

Yogita Mistry, Team Leader

Yogita works in one of Anchor Hanover care homes; The Ridings in Banbury. She has been involved with lots of activity the team at the home have been doing to support every resident, colleague and the local community; including creating friendship trees and menus and activities which embody the culture of different countries during their Summer of Sport celebrations.  

Observing these activities, Yogita realised that some residents were struggling with the quizzes, so developed ‘true’ or ‘false’ cards. These cards are highly inclusive from a learning needs point of view, allowing quieter residents to get involved, shyer residents to have the confidence to answer, and is brilliantly visual and kinaesthetic. 

This is a great example of small actions making a big difference.