Bernadette Thompson OBE, Associate Director of Inclusion is our second castaway. Bernadette started working at Barts in 2021 and brings a wealth of experience to the role having spent 23 years in the Civil Service, where she held a range of operational and HR roles across many government departments and agencies. During this time, Bernadette spent five years co-chairing Race to the top G6/7 Network, which helps Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Civil Service colleagues thrive and progress and address BAME underrepresentation in Government. In 2021 Bernadette was awarded as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to diversity and inclusion.
The Bible
There are more than 400 million Bibles in print.
Bernadette says: “As a Christian, this is really my "blueprint" to success, I wouldn't go anywhere without it, I believe I will find words of wisdom, inspiration, Hope and comfort”.
Expand your Borders – David Livermore
David Livermore has taught readers how to develop their cultural intelligence, or CQ—an overall capability for working and relating effectively across cultures.
Bernadette says: “I recently qualified as a CQ facilitator. David Livemore is a Social Scientist dedicated to cultural intelligence so really reading this book is about broadening my understanding and deepening my learning on this subject matter”.
Still Breathing - 100 Voices on Racism - Suzette Llewellyn & Suzanne Packer
Still Breathing assembles a cast of 100 black voices to talk about their experiences of racism in Britain. Actresses Suzette Llewellyn and Suzanne Packer are joined by musicians, Members of Parliament, poets, artists, athletes, civil servants, doctors, lawyers, and more. Touching on Windrush and the workplace, race riots and reforms, these essays seek to educate, to bear witness - and to offer hope for a better future, in Britain and around the world.
Bernadette says: “I was a contributor to this book, where I shared one very annoying act of racism I encountered and recalled it to memory through a very witty poem. I would like to spend some time reading the other 99 accounts as I look forward to meeting more contributors this year”.
A promised Land – Barack Obama
A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making-from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy. In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency-a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.
Bernadette says: “Barack Obama's appointment as President of the United States brought hope to people of colour, it will be almost a crime not to read it and learn leadership from such a successful person, whom I can relate with”.
Long walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela
A Long Walk to Freedom re-creates the drama of the experiences that helped shape Nelson Mandela's destiny. Emotive, compelling and uplifting, A Long Walk to Freedom is the exhilarating story of an epic life; a story of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph told with the clarity and eloquence of a born leader.
Bernadette says: “I love to read autobiographies, especially one where resilience, tenacity, activism and optimism are featured. On a desert island, this will surely keep me going - 27 years in Prison in some of the most awful conditions!”
Black Joy – Charlie Brinkhurst – Cuff & Timi Sotire
Edited by award-winning journalist Charlie Brinkhust-Cuff and up-and-coming talent Timi Sotire, join twenty-eight inspirational voices in this uplifting and empowering anthology as they come together to celebrate being Black British, sharing their experiences of joy and what it means to them.
Bernadette says: “On an island, one must keep humour up, this book reminds me of my heritage, it is full of fun and vibrant laughter”.