Vikki Thwaites at CQC talks about her role and commitment to their LGBT+ Network

Please tell us a little about you and your role within the CQC

I’m Vikki, I live in the Northeast and have been a Hospitals (Acute) Inspector for 2 years, yet I still think of myself as ‘new’, if anyone can relate? Before that, I was an Assistant Inspector in Adult Social Care where my experiences predominantly lie. I’m going to be an Inspector in the ‘new ways of working’ as I like to be out and about and know my strengths aren’t administrative! Outside of work I have a passion for people, places, fitness, live music and beer gardens.

What do they enjoy the most about their role / working at CQC?

One thing that makes me really proud to work in the CQC is the values we all seem to share. Despite our differences, we all strive to ensure that people receive high quality, safe care (apologies to be cliché) but realistically, we wouldn’t get through that application process unless we were really passionate about it. So working in this organisation automatically makes me feel part of a like-minded community, and I haven’t met anyone yet that I haven’t had things in common with. Personally, I find homeworking great, I love a work/life balance, and anyone that knows me (or would like to get to!) will know I am an extremely distractable person. You’d think homeworking would make that worse, but the fact that I have the flexibility to work in a way that allows me to take breaks and flexibly work really enables me to come back and focus on tasks. For example, when I’m report writing, you’ll see me logging on at 7am when I focus better!

What network are you part of?

I’m part of the LGBT+ Network and newly appointed Bi-representative!

Why do you enjoy being part of this Network at CQC?

• I think the Network is well embedded in the CQC and has done an excellent job supporting an inclusive culture within the organisation. For example, we have elected Bi and Trans-reps to be a point of contact for colleagues that are looking for support or have questions. I’m excited to work with the new leadership team to further these positive changes in a really active and hopefully sociable way. I love being part of a Network that really captures the common goal of capturing and celebrating everyone’s individuality.
• Our Network is open to non-LGBT+ allies. We welcome anyone who wants to understand and support the lives of LGBT+ people.
• We run events for LGBT+ History Month, Pride, and International Pronoun Day (to name a few); as well as provide support and LGBT+ awareness raising sessions to teams.