Andrea Knowles

 I am a passionate equality, Diversity and inclusion leader with strong stakeholder engagement skills, excellent facilitation skill  demonstrable skills in equality leadership and lived experience. With over 10 years’ expertise working in fast-paced, constantly evolving environments, I am a fast learner and critical thinker. I am able to drive change, reduce organisational risk and forge strong alliances using communication and negotiation to create and embed an inclusive and equitable workplace culture.

I would now like to grow my talent working in an organisation where I can develop my proficiencies in the equity and diversity space. I have many ideas about how, together, we can create an environment where everyone can thrive, flourish and bring their whole selves to work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead.

First Community Health and Care – Equality, Diversity and
Inclusion Manager
(September 2020–Present. Dual role)
I work collaboratively with external stakeholders to 
formulate comprehensive equality and diversity strategies 
that resulted in much improved organisational awareness 
and cultural competence. During my work, I found andaddressed some communication challenges within the 
company. I have created safe spaces to have open 
conversations about race which established good 
relationships between Board members and more junior 
colleagues. I spearheaded a quality improvement project 
that is on target to reduce workplace incivilities and 
improve staff experiences, particularly those having the 
least positive workplace encounters, as borne out by
data. I regularly support and empower the Black and 
Minority Ethnic network and members, by mentoring my 
successor, imparting my own experience and knowledge, 
providing peer support sessions for network members, and 
taking on the role of network administrator. I developed a 
comprehensive inclusion plan that resulted in a much 
more integrated approach to existing equality challenges.
In 2019, I completed a Cultural Competence course that
equipped me to recognise and understand cultural 
differences that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

First Community Health and Care – Tissue Viability Nurse
(October 2018– Present. Dual role)
As a subject matter expert, I craft comprehensive training 
and development programmes that have reduced the 
number of clinical incidents. I work closely with internal 
and external stakeholders to formulate pathways that 
have enhanced clinical performance and increased 
patient safety. I manage a dedicated team of individuals 
and coached, steered and encouraged them to 
succeed.

First Community Health and Care – Community Staff Nurse
(April 2014 – October 2018)
Given the demanding nature of the role and the 
spectrum of patients I was required to treat, I possess 
excellent communication and listening skills, while 
demonstrating sensitivity towards the specifics of each 
unique situation.

Croydon Health Services – Community Staff Nurse
(August 2008 – April 2014)
My first role as an autonomous practitioner. I identified the 
needs and concerns of individuals, groups, families, and 
the community. I had to learn at a rapid pace and ensure 
safety, professionalism and high standards of care were 
delivered at all times.

University of Hertfordshire – MSc Clinical Skin Integrity and 
Wound Management 
September 2016 - 2019
Passed with Commendation.

King’s College University – DipHE Adult Nursing Studies
September 2003 - 2006 
Pass

Croydon College – Access to Nursing
September 2002 – 2003
Pass

Haling Manor High School
September 1989– 1994
Awards for Mathematics, Science and French. 5 x GCSEs 
(B-C).