Award recognises mental health nurse's "exceptional" work

Tuesday 12 October 2021

A Jersey mental health nurse, senior lecturer and leading light in Government efforts to better support black, Asian and minority ethnic employees has been recognised by the Royal College of Nursing.

Gillian Martin was given the Royal College of Nursing South East Region’s Black History Month 'Making a Difference Award’ 2021’ for her “exceptional achievements".

60,000 members of the RCN across the South East region were invited to nominate colleagues for the award, which forms part of its annual celebration of Black History Month in October. The theme this year was 'Anti-racism – a moment for literacy and transformation'.

Gillian was recognised for her work as part of the BAME Group in the Government of Jersey, as well as a mental health nurse and senior lecturer in Health and Community Services' Higher Education Department.

Part of the criteria for nomination required someone who is "an ally who stands up against racial injustices and is known to actively call out inequalities and discrimination", who also "leads by example not just words" and whose actions are "key to the future of nursing".

Congratulations to our fabulous colleague @GillMartin_PEF a great ambassador & role model for our mental health nursing students - wonderful see her work recognised in these impt awards #BlackHistoryMonthUK ???? @ClareRyder6 @OliviaCard1 @RobSainsbury4 @JerseyRcn @uochester https://t.co/IN4UTAnqXh

— Rose Naylor (@ChiefNurseJsy) October 4, 2021

Pictured: Chief Nurse Rose Naylor sharing praise for Ms Martin.

Speaking about the award, Cess Wigley, Black History Month Lead Coordinator in the region, said: "We are delighted to present this award to Gillian in recognition of her exceptional achievements.

"Gillian was nominated for her commitment to improving the lives of those in her care through both role modelling best practice and sharing her knowledge with others.

"She is also recognised for her role as part of the BAME Group in the Government of Jersey, which offers all staff of BAME background a forum that will provide support, development, and network opportunities.

"Gill has also presented at conferences, sharing her thoughts and experiences about being a nurse from a BAME background."

Ms Martin commented: "I am honoured to receive this award. Diversity and inclusion is embedded in the Government of Jersey but diverse teams need to be supported in the right framework.

"I am proud to part of the BAME Network in the Government of Jersey which aims to provide a safe place to enable staff (from any background) to express their views, as well as to encourage, challenge, and deliver high-quality practice and outcomes for the organisation.

"We have different backgrounds and different experiences in the workplace and by sharing our journey we can help the organisation to identify ways of supporting wellbeing and development of its BAME community."