17 July 2025
Healthcare workers from two NHS trusts have completed a dedicated leadership programme which will support the organisation to deliver excellent and inclusive care for patients.
The staff from both The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (Shropcom) have graduated from Galvanise, an ethnic minority leadership programme.
The aims of the course are to support colleagues to progress their leadership careers, provide the two trusts with an opportunity to learn about cultures and backgrounds and ensure that ethnic minority colleagues have a space to come together and share their challenges and opportunities.
The 18 graduates – from teams including nursing, therapies, and corporate – came together last month to celebrate their graduation.
Galvanise was established in 2023 by Dr Victoria Walton, a former junior doctor in training in SaTH. Overall, 37 leaders have participated in Galvanise since it started.
Galvanise equips colleagues with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to be ready for promotion opportunities, whilst allowing space for critical discussion via action learning groups and reflective practice, such as DiSC and Civility and Respect training sessions.
To date 46% of participants have gained a promotion since taking part in the course and a further 30% are actively seeking promotion.
Ashia Miah, Healthcare Chaplain at SaTH, who took part on the programme, said: It’s been amazing to see so many of my colleagues progress their careers and take on new opportunities since taking part in Galvanise. For me – I have learnt so much about myself and others and can’t wait to put it into practice. It’s so important that our hospitals represent our brilliant and diverse communities, and this programme will enable us to do that.”
Jo Williams, Chief Executive at SaTH, said: “It was fantastic to celebrate our 2025 Galvanise cohort and see their energy and enthusiasm to lead change in their areas to build a culture where everyone has a voice and feels they belong.
“We are committed to building on the progress we have already made on our cultural improvement journey to create a place where people feel proud to work and would recommend as a place to receive care.
“Fundamental to our plans is strengthening an inclusive culture of diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement to support us in delivering outstanding care for our patients.”
Rhia Boyode, Chief People Officer at SaTH and Shropcom, said: “Congratulations to the Galvanise class of 2025. The programme provides our colleagues from ethnic backgrounds with the resources and support network to reach their potential.
“I’m very excited about the future of Galvanise and how we can continue to develop the programme, providing opportunities and networks across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.”