At Pennine GP Alliance Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a fundamental part of who we are and how we care for both our patients and our teams. Our commitment to EDI reflects our core values and is supported by champions embedded throughout our organisation.
We are proud to introduce our EDI Champions: two based at our HQ and one within each of our Primary Care Networks (PCNs). These individuals have stepped forward to champion inclusion, promote understanding, and support colleagues who may need guidance or a safe space to talk. On this page, you’ll find a photo of each champion, along with a personal quote about why they chose to take on this important role.
What EDI Means to Us
EDI is at the heart of our organisational culture because it ensures everyone – regardless of background, identity, or experience – feels seen, heard, and valued. This aligns with our three core values:
- Patient-Centred Care: Our champions help ensure that dignity and inclusion remain central to the patient and staff experience.
- Ambition for Excellence: By encouraging diverse perspectives, our EDI work supports high standards and continuous learning.
- Everyone’s Voice Matters: Our champions are here to help to ensure no voice goes unheard.
Our Supporting Behaviours
The behaviours that underpin our values guide our approach to EDI every day:
- Act as a Role Model: Our EDI champions lead by example – taking personal responsibility to foster inclusive environments and champion fairness.
- Collaborate & Appreciate: They work in partnership across teams, recognising the strengths that diversity brings and encouraging collective progress.
- Speak Up with Courage: Our champions are empowered to raise concerns, challenge inequity, and drive meaningful change, while also supporting others to do the same.
Meet our EDI Champions
Michelle works as a PGPA Occupational Therapist in the Lower Valley Primary Care Network.
“I want to be part of and create a workplace that feels inclusive and supportive, a place where people can be vulnerable without fear of judgement. A place where we can all be our authentic selfs and whereby differences are celebrated!”
Nadia works as a PGPA Social Prescribing Link Worker in the Upper Calder Valley Primary Care Network.
“PGPA is made up of staff from various different backgrounds. I am muslim and from the South Asian community. Since joining PGPA I have shared my insider knowledge and expertise on the cultural and religious beliefs followed, in order to create a better awareness and understanding of staff and patients from this community, and to help reduce inequalities in experience, access or outcomes. I feel that my knowledge, dedication and experience will enable me to support all staff and fulfil this role as an EDI champion.”
Jen is a PGPA Programmes Facilitator based at our HQ office.
“I became an Equality Diversity & Inclusion Champion because I care deeply about fairness and want to help build a workplace where everyone feels they truly belong.”
Sudheer is the Primary Care Network Manager for Central Halifax PCN.
“Equality for me feels so important in a workplace, working together with other colleagues who help develop a workplace where people have equal access to opportunities and the recognition of the importance of diversity helps create a joyful workplace. We spend so much time at work, surely we should work together to make it a positive place.”
Attiya is a PGPA Clinical Pharmacist in Calder and Ryburn Primary Care Network.
“Having worked for Calder and Ryburn for 6 years I have seen many changes and developments over time. Recently I attended the PGPA Values workshop which sparked my interest in the role of EDI Champion.
For me Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is imperative in our life. Creating a safe work place where everyone in the team come together, regardless of their background, to be valued and recognised for their skills and contributions. I feel individually we have more in common than not, and this should be cherished and celebrated.
As the EDI champion I would aim to make a positive difference and be a voice for others to strengthen our workplace culture.”