Celebrating Chris Aitkins appointment as Chair of the CAHPO BAME Strategic Advisory Group
Podiatrist and RCPod member, Chris Aitkins, recently became Chair of the CAHPO BAME Strategic Advisory Group in NHS England. The group promotes the voices of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), champions anti-racism and works to embed equity and inclusion into the national NHS strategy.
As we mark Black History Month, we are celebrating the accomplishments and leadership of Black professionals across healthcare. This year, we’re proud to highlight a significant achievement for podiatry.
Chris Aitkins, a podiatrist with over 17 years of clinical experience and Deputy Head of Podiatry at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, has been appointed Chair of the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicity Strategic Advisory Group (CAHPO BAME SAG) for NHS England.
Chris’s appointment is an important moment for wider representation and equality in podiatry. As a Black British man, he brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the role, an essential combination for driving forward the anti-racism objectives set out in AHPs Deliver. His leadership will help ensure that the voices of BAME AHPs are heard and represented at every level of the NHS.
Talking about his appointment to the role, Chris Aitkins said:
“I am deeply honoured to have been elected Chair of the CAHPO BAME Strategic Advisory Group within NHS England. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Ruth Mhlanga and Noma Makhanda, whose leadership and dedication have laid a strong foundation for this important work.
“As a podiatrist with over 17 years of experience, I bring professional diversity and a fresh perspective to the role. As a Black British man, I also bring lived experience that informs my understanding of the challenges faced by AHPs from the global majority.
“I am committed to using that insight to shape and support the work of Suzanne Rastrick, the Chief AHP Officer, and to ensure that the voices of global majority AHPs are heard, valued and represented at every level.
“I am proud to work alongside the National AHP team and the NHS regional BAME network chairs to advance the anti-racism objectives set out in AHPs Deliver. Together, we will continue to drive meaningful change and foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
Chris’s appointment is not just a recognition of his leadership, it’s a call to action for all of us in podiatry, and other AHP professions, to continue building inclusive spaces, challenge the systemic barriers that exist and celebrate the diversity that strengthens all of our professions.
We look forward to following Chris’s journey in the role.