Black History Month
We're celebrating Black History Month (BHM) and embracing the theme this year of Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
Since 1987 BHM has been celebrated in the United Kingdom each October. BHM provides opportunities for people from all of our diverse communities to promote knowledge of Black history, culture and heritage; share positive Black contributions to British society and heighten Black people's confidence in and awareness of their own cultural heritage. The term 'Black' includes anyone who identifies as part of the African diaspora.
Standing Firm in Power and Pride is more than just a theme it's an invitation to every member of the Black community to take part in shaping how their stories are told. It's about ensuring that their voices are heard, their experiences acknowledged, and their contributions celebrated.
As part of this, colleagues from across the organisation have shared their stories and achievements about what Black History Month means to them. You can read them below.
Melissa Adey, Deputy Recruitment Manager
My history, identity and achievements
My name is Melissa Adey. I am a black British female of Nigerian descent. My parents were from the West Indies, so I was raised within a West Indian (Guyanese) culture, whilst also learning about my Nigerian heritage throughout my childhood. At times I found it a little difficult to know or understand where I belonged or fit in, but as I got older, I became more aware of myself, and I am proud to identify as a Black British woman.
I have worked in recruitment for over 10 years now and within the NHS for a combined six and a half years, and I can truly say I thoroughly enjoy what I do. One of my proudest achievements was an article I wrote when working for a previous employer which was published on LinkedIn on the benefits of investing in a diverse workforce.
I have a passion for, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for all and I really wanted to showcase this by discussing recruitment strategies and good practice of hiring candidates under a process that is fair and free from bias. My article then led to my hosting a Q & A session with the Chief Human Resources Officer of a global automotive brand, to an audience of senior HR leaders around the world, in discussing health and wellbeing in the workplace, how best to manage remote teams and keep employees engaged remotely, and the potential impact of the economic climate at that time. I'd like to hope the session was insightful, eye opening, and contributed to some positive changes some companies were looking to explore.
Melissa Adey
Deputy Recruitment Manager
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