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Faiths and beliefs shine through in every aspect of daily life and should be something that is embraced. Our diverse workforce must be open to different points of view, beliefs and simultaneously allow workers to fulfil their job role whilst expressing their individuality. 

This network will provide an open forum for our colleagues to share their experience of the workplace in a supportive and safe environment.  The network will provide a ‘listening ear’ for our colleagues as well as seeking their views to help shape our inclusion agenda and enable us to focus our efforts on actions that will make the biggest and most positive difference.    

 

When is the next Faiths and Beliefs (FaB) Network session? 

The FaB Network sessions take place on the third Monday of every month at 3pm.

The MS Teams invite will be sent out to the FAB Network members each month. Please complete the sign up form to join the network here.

 

Network Champion - Sarah Brampton (details to follow)

 

Network Chair - Leonore Newson newly appointed Chair.

Hello, my name is Leonore Newson and I feel very privileged at being appointed as the first chair of the Faiths and Beliefs Network. It is some fifty years since I donned my first pair of “duty shoes” and embarked upon a very long and wonderful career as a nurse.

I joined the theatre team at Derriford in 1981 when the third theatre was commissioned and dedicated to plastic surgery. Since then, my career pathway has taken many different twists and turns until I returned to the Trust in 2013 as a staff nurse working in Fal and Postbridge. Since 2020, I was redeployed to work in the Central Absence Reporting Hub. Now my working hours are centred on this role and my RCN steward’s role.

Having been outside of the mainstream and conventional faiths, religions and beliefs, I have the experience of being very much in the minority amongst them. This has not made me feel disadvantaged in any way but has given me the opportunity to look at other faiths and religions to gain some understanding of other ways. I studied for seven years with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and am a member of the Druid grade. I am also a trustee of The Druid Network which has charity status because it informs, inspires and facilitates Druidry as a religion. The Chaplaincy here at Derriford has my contact details, should any Pagan patients wish for a visit whilst in hospital.

I enjoy supporting colleagues and am happy to be contacted for a chat.

Outside of work, my interests include ballet, folk music, am a Scotland and Wales Rugby Union supporter and occasionally go to watch Exeter Chiefs. I take huge delight in wandering on the moor, in the hills of my homeland in Scotland and in the woods and love being a grannie to my grandchildren. However, Druidry is the anchor to this land for me and which helps keep me grounded .

My hope for this network is to see the membership increase which will raise understanding and tolerance for each other. I’d really like to see more clinical staff take an hour out when departmental needs permit to come and chat with a cup of tea. To hear your stories in a respectful and mindful way and to learn from each other. 

Meetings are open to “all faiths and none” which I'm sure will generate much discussion amongst us.

Appointing a Pagan to this post is a such a positive signal from UHPT about the commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and this affects every one of us.

I would like to think that colleagues will find this network a safe space to engage with and I look forward to meeting with you and hearing your stories.