Black History Month: "Embracing growth, and finding my voice while remaining true to my heritage."
The theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ encourages everyone, regardless of ethnicity, to participate in highlighting how our stories are told and celebrated. This goes beyond recognition; it’s about amplifying our voices, honouring our experiences, and celebrating the contributions of those who have shaped our communities. Together, we can foster a richer understanding of black history for current and future generations.
We had a chat with Isaac Moyo, Senior Programme Manager – Virtual Care to find out more about his career journey, what Black History Month means to him, challenges faced as a BAME staff member and role models.
Career background
As the Programme Lead for Virtual Care, I oversee the implementation of digital health tools to support virtual care delivery. My journey into healthcare technology has been shaped by a foundation in electronic engineering, which I studied at university, and an early role in the NHS as a project support officer.
From there, I grew into several Project Management Office (PMO) roles, ultimately joining CLCH as Head of PMO. A turning point in my career came during my MBA, where my dissertation on the use of digital tools to enable agile working inspired me to transition into digital health programmes.
Today, as a doctoral researcher, my focus is on advancing telehealth, examining factors that influence its effective and sustainable use.
What does Black History Month and the theme Reclaiming Narratives” mean to you?
Growing up, studying, and working in Zimbabwe instilled in me a sense of pride and confidence in my cultural background, as I was surrounded by brilliant minds and role models who inspired me.
When I first moved to the UK, I noticed a significant lack of representation for people of colour in senior and influential roles. This experience sometimes led to narratives—whether implicit or explicit—that questioned the abilities of individuals from minority backgrounds. At times, this felt disheartening, as it seemed to reinforce a stereotype that didn’t reflect the talent and potential I knew existed.
I’ve been fortunate to find a different story at CLCH. Here, a vibrant, multicultural environment thrives, with colleagues from all backgrounds working together to serve our diverse communities. Over time, I've witnessed greater inclusion and many glass ceilings being broken.
The ‘Snowy White Peaks’ paper particularly resonated with me, as it highlighted the underrepresentation of people of colour in senior NHS roles. Although this paper revealed systemic challenges, I've been heartened to see progress since its publication.
Are there any role models that have inspired you?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from colleagues in both healthcare and academia who have broken through barriers and continue to inspire me. Their willingness to offer advice and mentorship has been instrumental, demonstrating the profound impact that diverse voices can bring to healthcare and beyond.
As a BAME staff, have you faced any challenges?
One challenge I’ve faced as a BAME staff member relates to cultural expectations around assertiveness. In Zimbabwe, we’re taught to be respectful and reserved—a trait I value greatly. However, succeeding in the UK workplace has required me to balance this with assertiveness, adapting to a culture that often encourages vocal confidence and at times can be out of my comfort zone. Embracing this balance has been a journey of growth, helping me find my voice while remaining true to my heritage.
What is your message to NHS leaders?
At CLCH, we’re already taking meaningful steps towards inclusivity by celebrating events like Black History Month, promoting diverse interview panels, and actively seeking and listening to staff feedback. I believe sharing our learnings and practices with other trusts could inspire further progress, helping to make the NHS a more inclusive place for everyone.
