21 January - non-executive directors

This week’s non-executive directors webinar opened in conversation with Evelyn Asante-Mensah OBE, Chair, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Overheard during the discussion:

“As a chair sometimes we’re a little bit afraid to show our vulnerability. I’m not and I think strength doesn’t come from that stoical stiff upper lip. It comes from being insightful and intuitive and understanding your own vulnerabilities and how it impacts on your own organisation.”

“You’ve got to have that psychological safety. In the board room we need to be able to be who we are, and I talk a lot about people being their authentic self to encourage us to be an open organisation.”

“People come to work and they carry a rucksack with all of all the other issues in their lives that we don’t have sight off. We then demand of them a whole range of different things without really knowing who they are and what they are dealing with. If we don’t get into this practice of treating and communicating with people in their entirety, I don’t think we can really give equity of treatment.”

“At a time when boards are so in need of diversity there is still acute discomfort around mental health in terms of diversity. I think as we come to terms with neurodiversity in all its rich forms what it really flushes out is the need for upskilling of colleagues.”

“Great to hear Evelyn's story – an example of being a pioneer and great authentic leadership. I think networks like GGI and Seacole have been instrumental in giving support to alleviate the feeling of isolation.”

These meetings are by invitation and are open to all NHS non-executives directors, chairs and associate non-executive directors of NHS providers. Others may attend by special invitation.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about these webinars, please contact: events@good-governance.org.uk