Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA)

Deborah explains: “The programme encourages people of colour to join a Board of Trustees and learn new skills. Most of us that join the programme are pretty new to the UK, no more than five years. Some of us might have had that experience back in our home countries, but this a new country so there are different ways of doing things.”

Olawale has a background in engineering and was involved in system administration, IT and technical support before relocating to the UK from Nigeria in 2022 to pursue a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence.

“There’s a mode of operation for every organisation. What is applicable in Nigeria based on policies and regulation might not be practical in the UK. When you come to a new country like this, programmes like Black Talent on Board streamline and help you to understand the processes in communities like this and what happens at a higher level within organisations.”

Deborah currently works full-time in an administrative and pastoral role with a faith-based organisation supporting children and young people. With her background in care administration and a postgraduate qualification in information technology, Deborah was able to contribute meaningfully to Music in Hospitals & Care’s Risk and Assurance Committee and apply her knowledge in risk management and cybersecurity.

Deborah explains: “I got to understand the importance of identifying and mitigating risk, especially in not-for-profit organisations. I understand what it means to manage risk in a profitable organisation, but for a charity I had to look at it through a different lens.

There were several of us on the committee so there were always diverse recommendations and ideas, but we were still able to review those ideas and come out with a common solution that we felt was fitting for the organisation. That was something that really stood out for me.”

Olawale adds: “I learned so much. I went with the Chair to some live music and completed a report about my experiences. Those that couldn’t really speak, you could see them tapping their feet, and others dancing and singing along. It was an emotional experience.”

Deborah was drawn to Music in Hospitals & Care through her personal connection to music and belief in its healing power. She valued the opportunity to witness live music experiences and gain insight into how music supports wellbeing in healthcare settings.

“We went to two different wards on the same day. Most of the songs that were sung were Scottish songs, and I could pick out a couple that I had heard when I was a young girl growing up. It had that nostalgic feeling. I can only imagine how it was for the residents, it was a beautiful thing to see.”

For Olawale, it was a story from the Bible about David playing the harp to dispel evil spirits from King Saul that first sparked an interest in music’s effect on wellbeing.

“I tell people that music is universal, it’s a common language that actually connects people and there’s this therapeutic power. It’s not just the strings you’re playing, it’s not just the drums. The rhythm is a kind of pattern when you follow it, and it brings solace to the soul or to the heart.”