The NHS 10-year plan highlights that although the NHS benefits from a diverse workforce, "we fall short in valuing their contributions and ensuring fair treatment and respect”.
Despite over 24% of the NHS being from minority ethnic groups and 77% being women, there's a lack of women of colour in high-level digital leadership roles.
The Shuri Network is working to address this gap by helping the NHS create a leadership pipeline that mirrors its diverse workforce, as pledged by NHS England and ICSs.
Our network, founded by Dr. Shera Chok and Sarah Amani in 2019, aims to support women of colour in advancing into leadership positions.
We have over 2,400 members and allies from diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in digital leadership. We offer guidance to organisations looking to enhance equality in recruitment. More importantly, we empower women of colour by giving them a voice and a pathway to leadership positions.
Listen to Dr Shera Chok talk about the Shuri Network and what we want to achieve:
What an amazing group!
Navina Evans, Chief Workforce Officer, NHS England
A real pleasure to be amongst inspiring women from minority ethnic groups and to celebrate the remarkable success of the Shuri Network a year on!
Sonia Patel, System CIO, NHS England
Joining the Shuri Network is a game-changer. Before, I was content with just doing my job, now I am keen to do more, to be part of the digital transformation and be a change-maker.
Rodaluz Trinidad, Shuri Fellow
I am having the time of my life. Shuri is the best thing that has changed my perception of career progression. I have reached out to senior people who are pushing me to develop and I now have sponsorship for further education in digital health. Thank you!
Kerenhappuch Tazvivi, Shuri Fellow
The Shuri Network has been my rock.
Anna Awoliyi, Shuri member and CNIO, Epsom and St Hellier NHS Trust