Focus on: diversity and inclusion Innovation |the multiplierejec ofdiversi A Charlotte James, Director of Communications, Engagement and Marketing, Eastern AHSN, discusses the multiplier effect of diversity s well as being the right thing to do, the presence of diversity and the practice of inclusion allows us to look at problems differently and consider a wider range of solutions. During a time of crisis and constantly moving targets, what could be more valuable than fresh and different perspectives? Over the 71 years since the NHS was created, the patient population it serves has grown in diversity in the fullest sense of the word and the business case for diversity is increasingly clear. We also take very seriously our role in serving the needs of all our population, to ensure that the transformation xWearenotmonopeoplex| JoanSaddlermAssociateDirectorfor PatientsandCommunitiesatthe NHSConfederation of our health service reduces health inequalities. We have, therefore, recognised that we have a leadership role in championing and developing diversity within our own organisations and our work. That is why we published our pledges in September 2019, to demonstrate our commitment and hold ourselves to account for the way we identify and nurture innovation and the innovators behind them, inside and outside the NHS. As always, we will work with partners to achieve these ambitions. This year, I am delighted to have helped launch and co-curate the Cambridge hub for One Health Whydiversityininnovationmattersy RichardStubbsmChiefExecutiveTech, which is a grassroots community that supports and promotes women and OqcerofYorkshireand other under-represented groups to be future leaders in health innovation. HumberAHSN The AHSN Network is also a proud sponsor of the NHS Confederations BAME Leaders Network, and supports the development of the NHS People Plan through the Leadership Development workstream, in addition to working with the Shuri Network, the first NHS network of BAME women in health tech and digital health. Celebrating success and promoting role models are important aspects of this agenda. It is vital that aspirant innovators starting out on their journey can see the success of people with whom they identify. In our Diversity and Innovation publication, published in 2019, we championed some of our BAME innovators who are making a difference. We hope that by telling their stories, loudly and proudly, they will inspire others to follow in their wake. Thevalueofdijerentvoices|Jasmin GuptafromCancerHairCare The value of dijerent voices Jasmin Gupta, pictured above, The Hair Loss Coach and founder of the Cancer Hair Care charity, spoke at our cancer innovation exchange in March 2019. We asked her to share her top tips to help innovators from diverse backgrounds. Share this article 1 Have courage to work on something different, cultivate your diversity and think of your audience. 2 Dont underestimate the power of one; the value of one person is powerful and it creates a more compassionate product. 3 Get out of the space youre in. An innovators role is to learn about the environment surrounding their immediate circle; go out and learn about other peoples experience, then bring that back into your innovation. Ourcommitment Find out more about our diversity pledges here: EasternAHSN.org