A message was sent out this week to all 2,883 staff at the Care Quality Commission – the agency within the Department for Health which regulates and inspects all health and social care providers – to mark World Holocaust Day on Monday:
“There continues to be a lot going on in the world right now. From disastrous wildfires to war and conflict, it is hard not to be moved by the devastating impact these events are having on people’s lives. As well as events that are happening around the globe, in the last week there have been reports in the media that Mosques, schools, and community centres in London have been vandalised with Islamophobic messages. This comes in the same week as World Holocaust Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau.”
The regulator’s ‘Director for People and Culture‘ Jackie Jackson then goes on to say “World Holocaust Day not only commemorates the millions of lives lost during one of history’s darkest chapters, but it also acts as a reminder to us all to reflect on the lessons of the past and reaffirm our commitment to standing against hate, discrimination, and prejudice in all its forms.” You know what’s coming next…
“The Islamophobic events that have recently taken place in the UK are a sobering reminder that hate, discrimination, and prejudice remain real challenges in our society, and it is our collective responsibility to stand against racism, Islamophobia and Antisemitism.
Islamophobia is connected to and can be rooted in racism, in that it disproportionately impacts people from ethnic minority backgrounds, even though not all people who follow Islam are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
…Our colleagues continue to demonstrate strength and resilience in the face of these concerns, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected by these acts of hatred.”
The health regulator is an agency with an annual budget of £264 million whose chief executive is paid £230,000. Back in November Guido reported it had adopted new plan to “become a truly anti-racist organisation.” Its civil servants are then told in the message: “Our EDI coordinators have been working with leaders in directorates to make sure the right support is offered to colleagues” and the “Race Equality Network are also available to offer support and guidance.” If ministers were looking for some easy cuts in the spending review…
Read the full message below:
“There continues to be a lot going on in the world right now. From disastrous wildfires to war and conflict, it is hard not to be moved by the devastating impact these events are having on people’s lives. As well as events that are happening around the globe, in the last week there have been reports in the media that Mosques, schools, and community centres in London have been vandalised with Islamophobic messages. This comes in the same week as World Holocaust Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau.
Jackie Jackson, Director of People, said:
“World Holocaust Day not only commemorates the millions of lives lost during one of history’s darkest chapters, but it also acts as a reminder to us all to reflect on the lessons of the past and reaffirm our commitment to standing against hate, discrimination, and prejudice in all its forms.
The Islamophobic events that have recently taken place in the UK are a sobering reminder that hate, discrimination, and prejudice remain real challenges in our society, and it is our collective responsibility to stand against racism, Islamophobia and Antisemitism.
Islamophobia is connected to and can be rooted in racism, in that it disproportionately impacts people from ethnic minority backgrounds, even though not all people who follow Islam are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
We need to remember that it’s only 5 months since last year’s race riots, and the memories and impacts of the events that took place are still fresh for some colleagues, so safety concerns are understandably heightened.
Our colleagues continue to demonstrate strength and resilience in the face of these concerns, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected by these acts of hatred. As an organisation we are committed to our anti-racism approach and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024 – 2027, and will continue to be so as we move forward as an organisation with The CQC Way. Recognising and supporting colleagues’ experiences highlights the impact these acts do have, and taking action to address it means we can foster a culture of care both in our work and the communities we serve.
Let’s continue to stand together against hate, discrimination, and prejudice and support each other with kindness and compassion, to create a space where everyone feels they belong.”
Support is available
If events going on outside of work are having an impact on you, there are many places you can get support. Our EDI coordinators have been working with leaders in directorates to make sure the right support is offered to colleagues.
As well as speaking to your line manager, you can contact PAM wellbeing, details of which can be found on Wellbeing – Home resources. Our Race Equality Network are also available to offer support and guidance.
For more information about our Equality Networks and the support available to you, see HOME.
Speaking to Matt Chorley on BBC 5 Live, Shabana Mahmood was asked what the naughtiest thing she has ever done is:
“I think I took a drag on a cigarette when I was a teenager, when I shouldn’t have done, but it did trigger an asthma attack. And so I figured that was God telling me, don’t smoke.”