Celebrating Diversity in Innovation: LGBTQ+ History Month

Guided by our organisation’s EDI Champions, it was great at our Monday stand-up last week to learn about the history of LGBTQ+ contributions to the world and increase our team knowledge of LGTBQ+ legislations and policies. It brought my memory back to the Pearson Commission into NHS Staff and Learners Mental Health and Wellbeing which taught me that, at the time of the commission, over 100,000 NHS Staff who identified as LGBTQ+ had challenges and concerns around discrimination and lack of support in the workplace, and that therefore many staff would hide their sexual orientation. One innovation that we identified in that work was the NHS Rainbow badge, which demonstrates the power of grassroots and bottom-up initiatives. The NHS Rainbow Badge was created as a way for NHS staff to demonstrate that they are aware of the issues that LGBTQ+ people can face when accessing healthcare. The first phase of the programme involved staff wearing the badge to commit to being someone who an LGBTQ+ person can feel comfortable talking to about issues relating to sexuality or gender. The second phase involved launching a new assessment and accreditation model which allowed NHS Trusts to demonstrate their commitment to reducing barriers to healthcare for LGBTQ+ people, whilst evidencing the good work they have already undertaken. This helped, and is still helping, to drive meaningful change. You can find out more about the scheme here. This piece of work is an example of the NHS’s values in action, including providing respect and dignity, showing compassion, and remembering everyone counts. I proudly wear the badge that was given to me at that time, and at Health Innovation KSS, we aim to be positive role models for EDI and to foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong.

Evidence demonstrates that diversity in innovation and research can lead to better business outcomes and more innovative solutions for diverse populations. Putting that into context, I reflect upon the CIRCLE Study, which we supported as part of our role as the Implementation Lead for the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The CIRCLE study (2022-2024) was developed to address the issue that many older LGBTQ+ people face significant barriers and inequalities when engaging with social care services in The UK. Previous research shows that care providers severely disregard LGBTQ+ identities and relationships, as well as their relevance for care needs. As a result, the older LGBTQ+ population has become invisible, are hesitant to access to services, and face poorer health outcomes than their heterosexual and cis-gender counterparts. Care providers lack the skills and confidence to improve their LGBTQ+ inclusive care offer. The CIRCLE study took a three-step approach – a Pride in Care Programme to improve the LGBTQ+ inclusive care offer, the development of a Community of Practice and a co-designed resource for care homes which offers actionable steps to implement LGBTQ+ inclusive care.

Then there are innovations like Voda which was part of Health Innovation Network South London’s DigitalHealth.London Launchpad programme. Voda addresses the NHS challenge of 52% of LGBTQIA+ people having experienced depression in the past year, and for anxiety, this figure rises to 61%. Moreover, the LGBTQIA+ community are twice as likely as our heterosexual counterparts to develop a mental health condition. Voda is a digital tool aiming to improve mental health and wellbeing for LGBTQIA+ youth through online communities and resources. This innovation has been co-designed by and for the community it serves, and it is that practice which we celebrate at Health Innovation KSS and make a key part of our innovation methodology.

Innovation and diversity is not just a nice-to-have, it is fundamental to solving real-world problems and creating solutions that work for all. I look forward to continuing our EDI focus throughout the year and learning more about how we can be truly inclusive innovators and allies.