About Allyship

“An ally is someone who makes the commitment and effort to recognise their privilege based on their own gender, class, race, sexual identity, position of authority, and work in solidarity with marginalised and underrepresented groups.” Read the University of Glasgow’s definition on allyship here.

The aim of the Allyship Programme is to strengthen connections and bridge the gap between senior decision makers in Health and Care, and organisations working with people and communities who experience the greatest health inequalities.

The programme provides members of the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) with the opportunity to connect with a representative of a Third Sector organisation, creating a  relationship building, knowledge sharing and mentorship.

The programme is a simple and practical means of connection, based upon a shared vision and commitment to achieving the desired outcomes.

How it works

1. Each Health and Wellbeing Board member is matched to a Third Sector member of the Communities of Interest Network by the Forum Central team, with input from other forums and networks where appropriate.
2. The matches are made drawing upon understanding of each member’s role, seeking to set up different relationships outside of their usual sphere of professional interests and expertise.
3. Each Allyship pairing aims to meet regularly, with a suggested frequency of around every 2 months, preferably alternating visits to each other’s organisation.

Core principles of the work

While each relationship will have different dynamics, core principles underpin the interactions between allies. These include:

• Transparency and accountability.
• An open-minded approach, underpinned by empathy.
• A recognition of power and privilege.
• A commitment to relationships, being present and engaged.
• A commitment to active listening and sharing learning.
• A commitment to longer term advocacy and action.

Proposed outcomes and outputs

The model of Allyship aims to result in rewarding experiences, mutual benefits and learning

for all parties involved, including:

• Stronger connections and relationships between senior decision makers and community-based organisations.
• Re-evaluated understandings of power and privilege and developing equality between partners.
• Stronger leadership in understanding how health inequalities are born out and impact communities.
• Shared learning and a greater understanding and appreciation of assets within communities.
• Improved understanding of the value of our voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations, as well as the challenges in our diverse communities.

Allyship stories

Here, some of the people who have been involved in the programme share about their experiences, how they have benefited and some of the challenges. 

Allyship workshop

In October 2023, a workshop was held with past and current Allies, to reflect on how things have gone so far and discuss what could be done differently in the future. A report from the workshop is available here. 

Here are a few thoughts from participants at the workshop:

‘I have developed a trusted relationship with my Ally, who has really been invested and listened.’

‘Over the last two years I have learned the importance of coming together, listening to one another, sharing experiences and joining forces to make change.’

The programme benefits ‘those least heard voices, standing in their shoes and getting to know people…it is about relationships.’

The programme helps us ‘understand the common pressures faced in very different places within the system.’

‘Lockdown led to virtual relationships and the fracturing of deeper connections, so Allyship has potential to help us rebuild. Face-to-face is important and there was a general agreement that we need to make time and space despite time pressures.’

‘Hearing about the challenges of the Third Sector…fed into a really helpful conversation about the roles of Allies, being realistic and not feeling like it was about sorting or fixing things, but understanding and standing alongside.’

For more information

If you would like to find out more about getting involved in the Allyship programme, please email [email protected].