North East Ambulance Service employee Sandeep Wales awarded MBE for services to supporting ethnically diverse ambulance staff

With over 17 years of dedicated service, Sandeep, from Bishop Auckland has played a vital role in supporting ethnically diverse ambulance staff.

Known for her exceptional commitment, professionalism, and compassion, she has made a lasting impact both within the organisation and the communities served.

Sandeep said: "I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition.

“I joined the ambulance service to work as a clinical care assistant originally 17 years ago and became co-chair of the Together Network in 2023.  I worked for a house builder prior to that so joining the ambulance service was a massive shock to the system but I wanted to help people and do something worthwhile. It’s a huge privilege to work for the ambulance service and serve our local communities.

“As a part of the employee Together network, I get to advocate for colleagues to raise awareness of the lived experiences of our ethnically diverse staff to influence change across the organisation. I feel a strong sense of purpose in helping to shape a more inclusive culture where ethnically diverse staff feel seen, heard, and valued.

“I hope it helps staff to feel they have people in their corner, to reduce feelings of isolation and build a sense of community. This is crucial for mental wellbeing, especially for colleagues who may have experienced discrimination or hate.  This plays a key role in creating a healthier workplace culture and delivering more equitable care to the diverse communities we serve.”

​​​​​​​Together@NEAS is the Trust’s ethnically diverse and faith employee group and is one of six staff networks operating at NEAS.

Staff networks play an important role at NEAS, supporting more than 3,700 colleagues employed by the service and ensuring they are able to have their say in decisions which impact them. The Together@NEAS group helps to provide a voice to ethnically diverse employees, employees of faith and allies throughout the organisation.

Some examples of how the Together network has supported colleagues over recent years include:

• The development of the Trust's Hate Crime Guide, raising awareness of hate crimes, including how to report one and the support a colleague can expect to receive after reporting one.
• Welfare support during a period of public disorder in 2024, ensuring ethnically diverse colleagues were supported.
• Supporting managers on race equality issues and providing an advisory role on culturally sensitive matters and world events that significantly affect our diverse staff.
• Influencing practice and policies
• Delivering "Harm by Behaviour" training to raise awareness of microaggressions and inappropriate behaviours.
• Sharing lived experiences to raise awareness and foster empathy and understanding across the organisation.

The MBE, which was awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne at Windsor Castle on 15 April, reflects Sandeep’s exceptional contribution to services to supporting ethnically diverse ambulance colleagues.

Sandeep said: “It was the most surreal and magical day that I was lucky to share with my husband and niece – and an incredibly proud moment.

 “Five years ago, working as a clinical care assistant, I would never have dreamed of joining a staff network, never mind becoming co‑chair of the Together Network or going on to receive an MBE. This recognition isn’t about me as an individual – it represents the collective voices, courage and experiences of our ethnically diverse colleagues who continue to speak up, often at personal cost. 

"Anti‑racism matters more than ever and it is everyone's responsibility. Ethnically diverse ambulance staff continue to face bias, inequity and additional barriers, and we have to work harder to ensure they – and the diverse communities we serve – experience truly equitable outcomes. That means creating safe spaces and listening, challenging ourselves, and being honest about where we must do better.

“I haven’t always known what to say, or who to say it to. I didn’t come from a corporate background, and I’ve had to learn as I’ve gone along. But when something doesn’t feel right, when it makes you uncomfortable, it’s important to trust your gut and speak up. Don’t worry too much about having the perfect words – ask the question anyway. Staying silent can mean failing yourself or someone else, and that’s the thing that stays with you.

“If this recognition helps even one colleague feel less isolated, more confident to advocate for themselves or others, then it means everything.”

Chief Executive of North East Ambulance Service, Kevin Scollay, added:"We are thrilled that Sandeep’s dedication has been recognised with such a prestigious honour. Her leadership, skill, and unwavering compassion embody the very best of the NHS and emergency services. This award is a testament to the difference one person can make through passion and service."