Published on: 30 September 2026
Black History Month is providing a timely opportunity to recognise the contribution of Black leaders and consider the importance of diverse voices at the highest levels of the NHS. As the NHS continues efforts to improve representation in senior leadership, the diversity of decision-makers about services, staff and patient care is coming under increasing focus.
Observed throughout October, Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black people. For Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the month is also an opportunity to highlight how representation in leadership can help ensure that different experiences are heard, barriers are challenged and decisions better reflect the communities the Trust serves.
The Trust is highlighting the role that inclusive leadership plays in shaping services and workplace culture. The Trust’s Board consists of Executive and Non-Executive Directors responsible for setting the organisation's strategic direction as well as ensuring services are delivering safe and effective care responsive to the needs of local communities. The current Board, which is made up of 43% Black Minority Ethnic (BME) members, brings together leaders from a wide range of professional, cultural and personal backgrounds, reflecting the Trust's commitment to inclusive leadership and representation.
Nationally, NHS England has reported that ethnic minority representation at executive board level has increased in recent years, reaching 11 per cent of executive roles in 2023. However, national studies continue to show that NHS senior leadership is not yet fully representative of the diversity of the wider workforce and communities it serves.
The Trust is proud to have a Board that reflects a broad mix of professional expertise, lived experience and perspectives. The Board includes leaders with backgrounds spanning nursing, medicine, finance, human resources, governance, public health, community leadership and the voluntary sector, helping to ensure decisions are informed by a wide range of views and experiences.
Representation at the highest levels of leadership plays an important role in building trust, promoting inclusion and ensuring organisations better understand the needs of the people they serve. At Derbyshire Healthcare, diversity is seen not only as a measure of representation but as a strength that helps improve decision-making, challenge thinking and support better outcomes for patients, carers, colleagues and communities.
Among some of those helping to lead the organisation is Tumi Banda, Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, Quality and Patient Experience. A mental health nurse by background, Tumi joined Derbyshire Healthcare in September 2024 and has held a number of senior nursing leadership roles throughout his career. He is passionate about improving care for people experiencing mental health crises.
Tumi said: "Representation in senior nursing leadership matters. It shows colleagues from all backgrounds that there is a place for them in leadership and that their voices, experiences and expertise are valued.
"I am proud to be part of a Board that is committed to creating a welcoming environment and to ensuring that the people who use our services, and the colleagues who deliver them, feel respected, supported and heard."
The Trust is also chaired by Selina Ullah, Trust Chair, who has been recognised nationally for her contribution to advancing diversity and inclusion and is one of the first Muslim female NHS Trust Chairs in the country. Throughout her career, Selina has been a strong advocate for inclusive leadership and improving opportunities for under-represented groups. Selina has more recently won the ‘Women of the Year’ Award at the British Asian Women’s Awards.
Selina said: "As a Board, we know that diversity strengthens decision-making. When people bring different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, we are better able to understand the needs of our communities and make decisions that support fairer, more inclusive care.
“I am proud that Derbyshire Healthcare continues to push for inclusive leadership across the board."
Mark Powell, Chief Executive, said: "Our Board plays a vital role in setting the direction for Derbyshire Healthcare and making sure we continue to improve for patients, carers, families and colleagues.
“That commitment goes beyond the Board. Through programmes such as Partners in Progress, our race equality reciprocal mentoring scheme, senior leaders can hear directly from colleagues about their lived experiences, strengthen their understanding and take action to support a more inclusive culture. Our BME staff networks, supported by executive sponsors, also help shape the way we continue to improve as an organisation.”
Vikki Ashton Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Delivery Officer, said: "Inclusion must be visible in how we lead, listen and deliver services. A diverse Board brings challenge, insight and a broader understanding of the communities we work with, which is essential as we continue our improvement journey.
"Through bringing together people with different experiences, we are better placed to understand the challenges facing our communities and develop services that meet their needs."
The Trust’s diverse group of Non-Executive Directors also plays an important role in bringing independent insight, challenge and perspectives to Board discussions. Two of the Trust’s Non-Executive Directors also shared their reflections on the importance of diverse leadership.
Ralph Knibbs, Non-Executive Director, said: "As Non-Executive Directors, we have an important role in bringing independent challenge and support to the Board. Drawing on different professional and personal experiences helps us to ask the right questions, champion inclusion and keep people at the centre of our decisions."
Chioma Anyanqu-Akpom, Non-Executive Director, said: "A Board that brings together a range of voices, backgrounds and perspectives is better equipped to understand the communities it serves. That diversity helps to improve discussions and support the Trust’s ambition to provide exceptional care without bias."
Black History Month offers an important moment to celebrate progress, listen to Black voices and maintain attention on the work still required to improve representation and opportunity. As the Trust continues its improvement journey, inclusive leadership will remain a key priority beyond October. Through bringing a range of voices around the Board table, the Trust aims to be responsive to the needs of the communities it serves while establishing a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
