Michael Nicholas MBE
So this is me…
I was born into a working class family in London’s East End. Surrounded by what many would refer to as ‘deprivation’ today. I must say I never felt deprived. I was raised in a community that was illuminating in its diversity – although I didn’t know that!
I was comprehensively educated – or maybe not. With few qualifications, I worked in various environments and for the most part, earned a living. I was a trained painter & decorator and for a short while, self-employed. I have been a deejay and a club promoter in a past life too. The first ‘institution’ I worked in was the Royal Mail and I loved that community too.
I became a father in 1989 and so decided I needed a job with better ‘prospects’ so I applied for the London Fire Brigade, at the behest of a mate who was a ‘fireman’ and told me they were looking for more black people. It was the first time in my life that the colour of my skin was ever mentioned with regards to one of life’s important factors – employment. My application was successful, and I started as a black firefighter in January 1990. I retired as a black fire service manager in October 2018. Confirmed – I was definitely black…..
In the 28yrs and 10 months of my service I did a few other things. I was a senior trade union official on diverse representation, a member of the TUC’s General Council and Race Committee. I was a Labour councillor for 8yrs in the London Borough of Newham. I worked with government to transform the fire service – which still has some way to go. I was the ‘first’ in many roles and positions – most of which were in the 21st century. I was nominated for and received an MBE in recognition of my efforts on diversity in the fire service and to my local community. Well that is what the citation says!!
Most of my working life has been in the public sector, which for a long time was a leader on diversity & inclusion. The private sector seemingly had no need for such ‘initiatives’ until it was proven to impact on their ‘bottom line’. Some in the sector now want to make a change but ‘what is the right way to do the right thing?’
I have an undimmed passion for diversity. Only inclusion takes us forward. Ensuring that we make a genuine effort to look after each other gives us back more than we ever have to give out. My greatest achievement is a great partner (wife) and five children – of whom three are now thankfully adults. Just two more to go…lol.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experience with you as we continue the conversation and work together to strive towards real inclusion in work and life.
Micky Nicholas