Equal chance? On silences, speaking and the importance of being heard

This is the inaugural Professorial lecture at Manchester Metropolitan University from Prof Laura Serrant OBE. The lecture will be from 5.30-6.30pm in Lecture Theatre 3, Brooks Building. There will be refreshments served afterwards.

Please email HPSCRKEAdmin@mmu.ac.uk to advise if you have any dietary or access requirements.

Abstract

“I find I am constantly being encouraged to pluck out some one aspect of myself and present this as the meaningful whole, eclipsing or denying the other parts of self.” ― Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

Much of the work on inequalities has tended to focus on socio-economic circumstances as a fundamental cause. However a wide range of internal and external issues impact on health and life chances, including our visible identities and how we are ‘weathered’ by prejudice and discrimination. The everyday experiences of racism can impact on the health and wellbeing of those racialised. It is important that policymakers, service providers and employers acknowledge the need for a deeper understanding of what is required by organisations in order to serve diverse populations in our education and healthcare systems.

In this seminar, Professor Laura Serrant OBE explores the issue of health and education inequalities though the ‘hidden voices’ housed within race and inter-sectional identities. She draws on events in her personal and professional life as a Black academic nurse to explore why some groups and individuals are missing in professional and academic circles. She uses her considerable experience to explore the importance of breaking Silences to develop our understanding and asks whether we need to reflect more on our own identities and that of our communities as part of our academic and professional practice.

Biography

Professor Laura Serrant OBE is an international thought leader, public speaker, academic and experienced coach. She is Head of Nursing department at MMU and Professor of community and public health nursing. She has over 35 years experience of health care practice, research, policy development and strategic leadership including working with a range of national and international government agencies. One of the few black Professors of Nursing in the UK, her commitment to optimising health equity and self agency is reflected in her determination to support others by actioning the call to “lift as you climb”. She is one of the BBC Expert women, Chair of the Chief Nursing Officer for England's BME Strategic Advisory group. In 2014, she was identified in the top 50 leaders in the UK by The Health Services Journal in three separate categories: Inspirational Women in Healthcare, BME Pioneers and Clinical Leader awards. She was named as the 8th most influential Black person in Britain by the Powerlist 2018. In 2018 she was awarded an OBE for services to Nursing and Health Policy. Her family are from The commonwealth of Dominica, WI.