“We can all be leaders”: Dr Lorraine Gordon on leading anti-racism in health and care systems
Chapter in new book released on December 22nd
SLaM Consultant Counselling Psychologist, and Head of Psychology and Psychotherapy for Southwark Directorate, Dr Lorraine Gordon, has written a chapter in a new book called ‘Rethinking Leadership for Clinical Counselling and Health Psychologists: Managing Complexity and Change for Thriving Workplaces’ by Dr Amra Rao. Lorraine’s contribution focuses on leading anti-racism in our systems.
Using data and research around mental health inequalities and her professional and personal experience, Lorraine has used her chapter to raise a critical question to leaders: are we doing enough to meet the needs of our diverse communities and if we aren’t, what can we do differently?
Lorraine said: “I was really excited to be asked to contribute a chapter to this book. I drew on my experience as Interim Director, my MA in Business and Management, the work around implementing the Patient and Carer Race Equalities Framework (PCREF) at the Trust and my own experience as a Black woman living in South London.
“There is an overrepresentation of people from Black and mixed Black communities on our inpatient wards and they are much more likely to be subject to coercive practice. They regularly come into our care with more distress – often stemming from racism – which can be compounded sadly by them being re-traumatised in our services. You shouldn’t be able to assume if you are coming into services as a Black person that you’re more likely to be secluded or restrained because of your race. We simply cannot say we are delivering quality care if it isn’t equitable.”
In the chapter, Lorraine explores how it isn’t only senior managers who can make a difference. While there are larger systemic issues at hand, there is a role for everyone to play. She said: “We can all be leaders in anti-racism. That means when you see something, say something and do something. Often a lot of us will be in situations and we know that something doesn’t align with our values – we know when something is disrespectful or unfair but sometimes we hold back. We have a lot of avenues to speak up about these issues and we should.”
“The responsibility for speaking out shouldn’t be just on people from racialised communities – we need allies. All colleagues can join us in making the changes that we need to see by speaking out and speaking up.”
Congratulations to Lorraine on this achievement and her contribution!
About Rethinking Leadership for Clinical, Counselling and Health Psychologists
Rethinking Leadership for Clinical, Counselling and Health Psychologists is a first-edition resource offering a psychologically informed perspective on leadership within today’s complex health systems. Edited by Dr Amra Rao, it integrates psychological theory with organisational development and draws on the experience of experienced professionals.
The book is structured into seven parts, covering topics such as understanding leadership, navigating change, fostering thriving cultures, addressing race and identity, and preparing for future challenges. It aims to provide practical frameworks and models for clinical, counselling, and health psychologists, while remaining relevant to other health and care leaders.
You can pre-order the book now: Rethinking Leadership for Clinical, Counselling and Health Psychologists
