Posted on: 22 June 2026
This Windrush Day, we're celebrating the lasting legacy of the Windrush Generation and recognising the invaluable contribution Black colleagues continue to make across our services every day.
Observed annually on 22 June, Windrush Day honours the passengers who arrived on the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 and the generations that followed. Their dedication, resilience and hard work helped shape modern Britain and played a crucial role in building the NHS we know today.
For decades, Black healthcare professionals have been at the heart of the NHS, serving patients with compassion, skill and commitment. From nurses, doctors and midwives to porters, administrators, healthcare assistants and leaders, their contribution has been instrumental in delivering high-quality care and supporting communities across the country.
At CNWL, we are proud to celebrate this legacy while continuing to create opportunities for Black colleagues to thrive and succeed.
CNWL's Black History Month working group came together to make videos beyond the month of Black History Month. Here is their video on Windrush:
Babs Osomembi, Co-chair for the Inclusive Heritage Network says
"As we mark Windrush Day, we remember those who arrived on these shores with hope, dignity, and determination. Their legacy lives on in every part of British life. It is a vital reminder for us as an organisation to ensure our workplace culture remains open, equitable, and supportive for people from all walks of life."
The Trust is also committed to improving representation at all levels through initiatives linked to the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES), leadership development opportunities and programmes designed to support career progression for colleagues from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
As we celebrate Windrush Day, we thank the generations who helped build the NHS and recognise the many Black colleagues who continue to shape its future.