Samantha Hosten, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, North West (currently seconded into this role and covering for Naveed Sharif)

Samantha is CIPD qualified in Learning and Development and has over 10 years’ experience in the field.  Her background includes working in the NHS, Local Government and the Private Sector.  She is also Chair of the NHS Race Equality Network of Networks; the NHS Race Equality Network of Networks was launched March 2019 and is a formation of Network Chairs across NHS Trusts in London. She also facilitates Action Learning Sets for Black and Minority Ethnic staff to build confidence and support career development. She believes in nurturing talent to identify and utilise key attributes in people.  

Samantha is also an accredited Life Coach, trained Action Learning Set facilitator and Mental Health First Aider.

She has recently started mentoring for the BT Mentoring Programme and has previously mentored on the Primary Healthcare Mentorship Programme.

She describes herself in 3 words: authentic, compassionate and innovative.

Samantha identifies as a straight woman and her pronouns are she/her.

Anthony Nichols JP – Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), North West (currently on secondment) 

Anthony has had almost 30 years NHS experience working across disciplines and grades he brings extensive EDI knowledge skills, lived experience and a problem-solving attitude – he is also a interpersonal mediator, coach and mentor. Anthony is also Co-Chair of the National LGBT+ Staff Network. 

Anthony actively promotes all aspects of inclusion and has previously led national work programmes including Positively Diverse, he established the first LGB (as was then) NHS Staff network back in 1996: most recently he led Health and Justice services in  the midlands region, majoring on addressing health inequalities; during that role he was also the health expert on the cross governmental Shaw review into the vulnerability & health needs of Asylum seekers and those in detention who had experienced torture: he is most proud of the work he has done to engage and hear these disenfranchised groups and their voices.

Anthony is a strong, resilient and challenging LGBTQ+, BAME & Disability Ally.  

During all of these roles he has been active member of NHSE&I Senior leaders forum, a Justice of the Peace (Magistrate) and an active MIP trade union workplace representative.

He describes himself in 3 words: passionate, innovative and privileged.

Anthony identifies as a man who is gay and disabled and his pronouns are he/him.