Introducing our new Equity Partnership Group

We’re pleased to announce the launch of our Equity Partnership Group (EPG) – a new independent body that will help ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion remain central to everything we do.

Following an open recruitment process, we have recruited a group of independent experts and community leaders, who will provide challenge, accountability, and lived experience insight at a strategic level. Their role is to make sure the voices of undeserved communities shape our decisions, our services, and our long-term plans.

What is the Equity Partnership Group?

The EPG has been created to bring independent scrutiny and oversight to our equity commitments. Working alongside senior leaders, members will review data, performance and plans, identify gaps and barriers, and support us to embed an evidence-based, outcome-focused approach to tackling inequity across Berkshire.

We are pleased to welcome our members:

• Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles
• Andrea Brookes
• Ceara Webster
• Dipak Mistry
• Jamila Thompson
• Liz Mayers
• Louis Headley
• Makini Jones
• Cllr Dr Nicholas Robertson
• Sarita Rakhra

Together, they bring extensive experience in community leadership, public health, workforce equity, co-production, and lived experience across a range of communities. Their insight and challenge will play a vital role in helping us deliver more inclusive, responsive and equitable healthcare.

You can read a short biography of each member here by opening the document below.

Why the Equity Partnership Group matters

Equity Partners will specialise in areas including LGBTQ+, neurodivergence, carers, and race, while also working collectively to address inequity across all themes. By drawing on diverse perspectives, they will help us ensure our approach is robust, transparent, and informed by real-world experience.

This is an important step in strengthening our commitment to being both a great place to get care and a great place to give care.

Learn more our commitment to inclusive healthcare here.