Reflections: Jabali Men’s Network 3rd Conference
Breaking barriers and building bridges: Reflections on the Jabali Men’s Network 3rd Annual Conference
By Dr Richard Dune
Image from The Mandatory Training Group
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Jabali Men’s Network 3rd Annual Conference in Birmingham—an event that brought together healthcare leaders, changemakers, and advocates to explore vital issues within the health and social care sectors. From discussions on men’s mental health to the challenges faced by minority groups in leadership, the conference was packed with thought-provoking insights, personal stories, and calls to action.
In this blog, Dr Richard Dune reflects on the key themes discussed during the event, unpacking the challenges, opportunities, and solutions presented by the diverse speakers. It also highlights the broader significance of events like these, which create safe spaces for underrepresented groups to connect, learn, and support one another.
Image from The Mandatory Training Group
A groundbreaking event - Setting the stage for change
The Jabali Men’s Network has become a crucial platform for black and minority ethnic men working in healthcare. Founded by Patrick Nyarumbu, the network provides a space where men from diverse backgrounds can share experiences, support one another, and advocate for systemic change in the workplace. As I attended my first Jabali conference, I was struck by the attendees' openness, camaraderie, and sense of shared purpose.
Nathan Dennis, from Legacy Consultants, was our lively host for the day, encouraging attendees to step out of their comfort zones. His ability to create an engaging, interactive atmosphere set the tone for an impactful event that would tackle tough subjects head-on while fostering community and dialogue.
Men in nursing - Breaking the mould
The keynote speaker, Duncan Burton, recently appointed as the Chief Nursing Officer for England, brought attention to the often-overlooked challenges faced by men in nursing. He took us on a historical journey, highlighting figures like George Dunn, the first registered male nurse in the UK, who paved the way for future generations.
Duncan emphasised the importance of increasing male representation in nursing and the need to challenge the perception that nursing is a “women’s profession.” He spoke candidly about the hurdles men face in entering the sector, such as societal stigma and preconceived notions about masculinity. Additionally, he addressed men’s health issues, particularly how men tend to downplay their health concerns, contributing to poorer outcomes.
He also tied these challenges to broader health inequalities, such as the alarming statistics around maternal health in black and minority ethnic women, who are significantly more likely to experience poor outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Duncan’s speech highlighted the need for healthcare systems to be more inclusive, not just for men but for all underrepresented groups.
Image by Wavebreakmedia via Envato Elements
Image from The Mandatory Training Group
Mental health in minority communities
Mental health was a recurring theme throughout the conference, brought into sharp focus by Daniel Acheampong, the founder of Ayati Mind. Daniel shared his own struggles with mental health and loss, a story that resonated deeply with many in the room. He highlighted the mental health disparities experienced by minority communities, where stigma and a lack of culturally sensitive support often prevent individuals from seeking help.
Daniel pointed to the stark statistics: black and minority ethnic groups are at a higher risk of being detained under the Mental Health Act and have poorer access to mental health services. His charity, Ayati Mind, aims to tackle these issues by providing digital platforms where individuals can access mental health support without the barriers that traditionally exist.
He also shared a light-hearted but poignant example of the “black barbershop network,” a cultural space where black men feel comfortable discussing anything from politics to relationships. Daniel suggested that if men felt as comfortable discussing mental health in these spaces, we could see a significant improvement in mental health outcomes within minority communities.
Allyship and leadership - Moving beyond representation
A highlight of the event was the powerful discussion on allyship led by speakers from the Amaree Women’s Network, including Heather Caudle (Group Chief Nursing Officer, Northern Care Alliance), Adanna Williams (Deputy Chief Nurse, NHS England), and Karen Bonner MBE (Chief Nurse, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust). The women brought a unique perspective to the conversation, focusing on how both men and women can collaborate to advance equality in the workplace.
Heather Caudle used the metaphor of “Snow White Peaks” to describe the lack of diversity at senior levels of leadership in healthcare. While minority representation exists at junior and mid-management levels, there is a sharp decline as we move toward board-level positions. She playfully called for these “Snow White Peaks” to be melted down, making way for more diverse leadership teams that reflect the populations they serve.
Karen Bonner took this further by advocating for active mentorship and sponsorship. She urged leaders from all backgrounds to take intentional steps in creating opportunities for minority groups and to utilise advisory services available to them. Karen also emphasised the need for leaders to create teams that are not only diverse but inclusive—teams where every voice is heard and valued.
Adanna Williams echoed these sentiments, adding that allyship is not a passive role but one that requires accountability and action. She emphasised the need for measurable plans and systemic changes to ensure diversity and inclusion are embedded into the fabric of organisations. Adanna also called on leaders to create legacies by building sustainable pathways for others to follow.
Image by renatahamuda via Envato Elements
Image from The Mandatory Training Group
Racism and resilience - Personal stories of triumph
The conference took a more personal turn with a powerful interview between Michelle Cox and Ezra Kanyimo. Michelle, whose landmark case against NHS England (Cox v NHS) challenged racial discrimination in the workplace, shared her harrowing experience of being bullied, sidelined, and discriminated against throughout her career. Her story was a reminder of the emotional and professional toll that racism can take, and she urged attendees to keep meticulous records and speak their truth.
Michelle’s case, while successful, is unfortunately not an isolated incident. She highlighted the need for stronger legal and institutional protections against racism in the workplace. However, she also pointed to the need for resilience, urging attendees to “lift as we rise”—to ensure that as we achieve success, we help others along the way.
The topic of racism was revisited by Chris Dzikiti, Chief Inspector for Healthcare at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who spoke about the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within healthcare regulation. Chris acknowledged that while there have been improvements, there is still a long way to go. He called for healthcare leaders to take EDI seriously, not just as a tick-box exercise, but as a core part of their organisational culture.
Chris also spoke about the CQC’s new Single Assessment Framework, highlighting the need for stronger regulation to ensure better outcomes for patients and staff. He deconstructed the myths around healthcare inspection and encouraged leaders to embrace transparency and accountability.
Mental health and the criminal justice system - A lived experience
One of the most compelling stories of the day came from Steven Gilbert OBE, a lived experience consultant, who spoke about his struggle with bipolar disorder and the stigma attached to mental health within the black community. Steven’s journey took him through the criminal justice system, a path that far too many young black men are familiar with due to systemic inequalities and poor mental health support.
Steven’s work on the 300 Voices project, which focuses on the experiences of young black men in mental health services, was eye-opening. He stressed that mental health support for minority communities must go beyond simple policy changes; it must include lived experiences and direct engagement with those affected.
Image by fauziEv8 via Envato Elements
Image by DC_Studio via Envato Elements
The way forward - Building inclusive systems
As the day drew to a close, the themes of leadership, allyship, and resilience continued to resonate. Speakers like Wellington Makala (Chief Nursing Officer, NELFT) and Arun Chandran (Chief Operating Officer, Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust) offered practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of leadership while staying true to one’s values.
Wellington emphasised the importance of setting clear goals and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity, while Arun discussed the importance of mentorship and feedback. Both men acknowledged the challenges that minority leaders face but also pointed to the power of community and support networks like Jabali to overcome these obstacles.
The importance of safe spaces
The Jabali Men’s Network 3rd Annual Conference was not just a gathering of healthcare professionals; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of safe spaces where underrepresented groups can share, learn, and grow. The issues discussed—mental health, racism, allyship, and leadership—are not new, but the solutions presented were fresh, innovative, and, most importantly, actionable.
As I left the conference, I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Events like these remind us that we have a responsibility to not only pursue our own goals but to help others along the way. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or allyship, we can all play a role in building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
I look forward to future Jabali events and to contributing in my own way to this important network. Together, we can truly “lift as we rise.”
Image by Pressmaster via Envato Elements
A groundbreaking event - Setting the stage for change
Image from The Mandatory Training Group
The Jabali Men’s Network has become a crucial platform for black and minority ethnic men working in healthcare. Founded by Patrick Nyarumbu, the network provides a space where men from diverse backgrounds can share experiences, support one another, and advocate for systemic change in the workplace. As I attended my first Jabali conference, I was struck by the attendees' openness, camaraderie, and sense of shared purpose.
Nathan Dennis, from Legacy Consultants, was our lively host for the day, encouraging attendees to step out of their comfort zones. His ability to create an engaging, interactive atmosphere set the tone for an impactful event that would tackle tough subjects head-on while fostering community and dialogue.
Men in nursing - Breaking the mould
Image by Wavebreakmedia via Envato Elements
The keynote speaker, Duncan Burton, recently appointed as the Chief Nursing Officer for England, brought attention to the often-overlooked challenges faced by men in nursing. He took us on a historical journey, highlighting figures like George Dunn, the first registered male nurse in the UK, who paved the way for future generations.
Duncan emphasised the importance of increasing male representation in nursing and the need to challenge the perception that nursing is a “women’s profession.” He spoke candidly about the hurdles men face in entering the sector, such as societal stigma and preconceived notions about masculinity. Additionally, he addressed men’s health issues, particularly how men tend to downplay their health concerns, contributing to poorer outcomes.
He also tied these challenges to broader health inequalities, such as the alarming statistics around maternal health in black and minority ethnic women, who are significantly more likely to experience poor outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Duncan’s speech highlighted the need for healthcare systems to be more inclusive, not just for men but for all underrepresented groups.
Mental health in minority communities
Image from The Mandatory Training Group
Mental health was a recurring theme throughout the conference, brought into sharp focus by Daniel Acheampong, the founder of Ayati Mind. Daniel shared his own struggles with mental health and loss, a story that resonated deeply with many in the room. He highlighted the mental health disparities experienced by minority communities, where stigma and a lack of culturally sensitive support often prevent individuals from seeking help.
Daniel pointed to the stark statistics: black and minority ethnic groups are at a higher risk of being detained under the Mental Health Act and have poorer access to mental health services. His charity, Ayati Mind, aims to tackle these issues by providing digital platforms where individuals can access mental health support without the barriers that traditionally exist.
He also shared a light-hearted but poignant example of the “black barbershop network,” a cultural space where black men feel comfortable discussing anything from politics to relationships. Daniel suggested that if men felt as comfortable discussing mental health in these spaces, we could see a significant improvement in mental health outcomes within minority communities.
Allyship and leadership - Moving beyond representation
Image by renatahamuda via Envato Elements
A highlight of the event was the powerful discussion on allyship led by speakers from the Amaree Women’s Network, including Heather Caudle (Group Chief Nursing Officer, Northern Care Alliance), Adanna Williams (Deputy Chief Nurse, NHS England), and Karen Bonner MBE (Chief Nurse, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust). The women brought a unique perspective to the conversation, focusing on how both men and women can collaborate to advance equality in the workplace.
Heather Caudle used the metaphor of “Snow White Peaks” to describe the lack of diversity at senior levels of leadership in healthcare. While minority representation exists at junior and mid-management levels, there is a sharp decline as we move toward board-level positions. She playfully called for these “Snow White Peaks” to be melted down, making way for more diverse leadership teams that reflect the populations they serve.
Karen Bonner took this further by advocating for active mentorship and sponsorship. She urged leaders from all backgrounds to take intentional steps in creating opportunities for minority groups and to utilise advisory services available to them. Karen also emphasised the need for leaders to create teams that are not only diverse but inclusive—teams where every voice is heard and valued.
Adanna Williams echoed these sentiments, adding that allyship is not a passive role but one that requires accountability and action. She emphasised the need for measurable plans and systemic changes to ensure diversity and inclusion are embedded into the fabric of organisations. Adanna also called on leaders to create legacies by building sustainable pathways for others to follow.
Racism and resilience - Personal stories of triumph
Image from The Mandatory Training Group
The conference took a more personal turn with a powerful interview between Michelle Cox and Ezra Kanyimo. Michelle, whose landmark case against NHS England (Cox v NHS) challenged racial discrimination in the workplace, shared her harrowing experience of being bullied, sidelined, and discriminated against throughout her career. Her story was a reminder of the emotional and professional toll that racism can take, and she urged attendees to keep meticulous records and speak their truth.
Michelle’s case, while successful, is unfortunately not an isolated incident. She highlighted the need for stronger legal and institutional protections against racism in the workplace. However, she also pointed to the need for resilience, urging attendees to “lift as we rise”—to ensure that as we achieve success, we help others along the way.
The topic of racism was revisited by Chris Dzikiti, Chief Inspector for Healthcare at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who spoke about the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within healthcare regulation. Chris acknowledged that while there have been improvements, there is still a long way to go. He called for healthcare leaders to take EDI seriously, not just as a tick-box exercise, but as a core part of their organisational culture.
Chris also spoke about the CQC’s new Single Assessment Framework, highlighting the need for stronger regulation to ensure better outcomes for patients and staff. He deconstructed the myths around healthcare inspection and encouraged leaders to embrace transparency and accountability.
Mental health and the criminal justice system - A lived experience
Image by fauziEv8 via Envato Elements
One of the most compelling stories of the day came from Steven Gilbert OBE, a lived experience consultant, who spoke about his struggle with bipolar disorder and the stigma attached to mental health within the black community. Steven’s journey took him through the criminal justice system, a path that far too many young black men are familiar with due to systemic inequalities and poor mental health support.
Steven’s work on the 300 Voices project, which focuses on the experiences of young black men in mental health services, was eye-opening. He stressed that mental health support for minority communities must go beyond simple policy changes; it must include lived experiences and direct engagement with those affected.
The way forward - Building inclusive systems
Image by DC_Studio via Envato Elements
As the day drew to a close, the themes of leadership, allyship, and resilience continued to resonate. Speakers like Wellington Makala (Chief Nursing Officer, NELFT) and Arun Chandran (Chief Operating Officer, Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust) offered practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of leadership while staying true to one’s values.
Wellington emphasised the importance of setting clear goals and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity, while Arun discussed the importance of mentorship and feedback. Both men acknowledged the challenges that minority leaders face but also pointed to the power of community and support networks like Jabali to overcome these obstacles.
The importance of safe spaces
Image by Pressmaster via Envato Elements
The Jabali Men’s Network 3rd Annual Conference was not just a gathering of healthcare professionals; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of safe spaces where underrepresented groups can share, learn, and grow. The issues discussed—mental health, racism, allyship, and leadership—are not new, but the solutions presented were fresh, innovative, and, most importantly, actionable.
As I left the conference, I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Events like these remind us that we have a responsibility to not only pursue our own goals but to help others along the way. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or allyship, we can all play a role in building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
I look forward to future Jabali events and to contributing in my own way to this important network. Together, we can truly “lift as we rise.”
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
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