Katy Hallett is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead in Devon Partnership NHS Trust, a mental health trust in South West England. The Trust employs in the region of 5,000 staff and receives more than 85K referrals during the course of a year.
Katy is not supported by a team of staff, but works diligently through engaging colleagues to increase awareness and application of EDI and why it is essential for happier staff and better patient care.
On an annual basis, Katy delivers all the annual statutory reporting for EDI required by NHS England which is a time-consuming process unique to NHS Trusts and includes the Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES), and Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES). Both are NHS initiatives designed to promote equality and improve the workplace experiences of staff within the NHS. Using the evidence from the data collected, Katy pushes for change in the organisation where it is needed.
Katy also supports our seven staff networks, amplifying their voices and encouraging them to work collaboratively and to engage with the wider organisation. Through Katy’s hard work and determination, our staff networks are integral to the functioning of our organisation, advising on policies and procedures and influencing our strategies and direction of travel. Staff networks are a key driver of engagement and change in our organisational culture.
Through Katy’s inspiration and with her support, our networks have hosted events, created and participated in films and animations, developed new policies and contributed to many successful initiatives which actually make a difference.
One of the successful projects which Katy has initiated and led is the Partners in Progress reciprocal mentoring programme which has prompted this nomination
