From roots to routes: how my South Asian heritage made me want to give back | Talking #TeamCWPT blog

With Rano Bains, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

This South Asian Heritage Month, we are celebrating the stories and contributions of our colleagues with South Asian heritage from across #TeamCWPT.  Hear from Rano Bains, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, who talks about how her South Asian roots have influenced her career route.

I always wanted to work in an area where I could give back, especially to marginalised groups who sometimes did not have a voice.  My Sikh faith is one of giving back and selfless service, which I try and do at work, home and voluntarily at our local temple. I take pride in supporting my colleagues at work to be their true, authentic self, and for our patients to get the services that are adapted for their needs. I chose to work in the NHS as this is where I felt I could really make a difference for people.

My career journey started as a volunteer at the Race Equality Council in Warwickshire, where I took on a project to change the menus at South Warwickshire Hospital to ensure it met the needs of the diverse communities it served. I felt being a volunteer gave me the experience of working within the public sector.

I then applied and got a job at Age Concern as the Race Equality Co-ordinator. My role was to ensure that our diverse population knew what services Age Concern offered, other than being a charity shop. In the evening, I trained to be a counsellor, and my skills as a trained counsellor help me in my current role. I did my master's degree while caring for both of my parents. While my parents were in the hospital, I saw first-hand the lack of culturally appropriate care, which gave me more reason to work in an area where I could enforce change.

I then applied for a job at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (although it was called something else at the time) and secured the role as a Race Equality Officer. After two years in the role, I realised that I did not want to get 'boxed' into race only. Race is important, but so are other injustices like those people with a disability might face. for instance, and I wanted to fight for them too. I've been here ever since!

My favourite quote is be the change you want to see , which I feel emphasises the importance of personal responsibility and proactive action for us to make change happen, without waiting for others to do something first.

My South Asian heritage has shaped me, as it acts as a mirror for me in how I treat people, but also reminds me how to treat myself and be true to who I am. I am good, and I have every right to be here and own my space. Yes, I do work harder and go above and beyond what I have to do, but if it helps one person, I am happy with that