A HR worker who works at a mental health hospital in Beckton has won a national award for the work she does to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Riahanna Yearwood-Grazette is a HR Administrator at Cygnet Hospital Beckton, a 58-bed mental health hospital for women.
She scooped one of the top prizes at the Cygnet Group achievement awards, a day of celebration for caring, dedicated and hard-working colleagues across the health and social care sector.
She won the Respect; Inclusion & Diversity Award which recognises an outstanding commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The awards, now in their fourth year, were held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, on Thursday 25 June. They were hosted by TV presenter Alexander Armstrong.
Rihanna was nominated by six of her colleagues. Her nomination read: “Rihanna is a tireless advocate for making diversity visible at Cygnet Hospital Beckton. She doesn’t wait for others to lead; she takes the initiative herself.
“Rihanna understands that inclusive care leads to better outcomes. She consistently considers the diverse needs of our service users, ensuring that communication needs are met. For her colleagues, she is a source of support, often helping us understand different perspectives. She ensures that care is not just ‘one size fits all’ but is truly person-centred.
“Her focus is always on equity, making sure that the systems we work in are fair for everyone, not just the majority. One of Rihanna’s greatest strengths is her ability to amplify the voices of those who might feel unheard. She has developed a staff forum to ensure that every team member, regardless of their background or grade, feels they have a seat at the table.
“Riahanna treats every individual with dignity, courtesy, and empathy. This is demonstrated in how Riahanna consistently ensures that all voices are heard in meetings, actively listening to different perspectives and encouraging collaboration, which has boosted team morale. She sets a high standard for workplace conduct.
“Riahanna is a true role model who makes Beckton a better place to work. She is always helpful to staff and leads with patience, respect and dedication. No problem is ever too complicated for her and she is always helpful, dependable and efficient.”
Upon receiving the award, Riahanna said:
“Being nominated for the Respect, Inclusion and Diversity award In itself felt like such an achievement.
“To say I won award is genuinely overwhelming and such an honour. To have my hard work and dedication recognised, it’s reinforced that the work I do and the working relationships I build really does make a difference and that my efforts are recognised and valued. It’s an indescribable feeling that will continue to make me strive to deliver my best every day.
“None of this would be possible without having such supportive line manager who helps guide, support and encourage me on a day to day basis. As well as the wider management team and my colleagues at Cygnet Hospital Beckton.”
Professor Tony Romero, Group CEO, said:
“The awards are about recognising and honouring the dedication, compassion and sheer hard work shown by staff who, no matter their role, play a vital part in the provision of patient and resident care.
“There is so much for us to be proud of as an organisation, and the winners and shortlisted candidates are representatives of the thousands of colleagues across the country who have made a difference in the lives of others.
“The day was about recognising them, celebrating the difference they make and inspiring one another to keep delivering the very best for those in our care.
“Staff like Riahanna consistently go above and beyond for the individuals in our care. They demonstrate passion for their work, commitment to excellence, and an unwavering dedication to our service users.”
