Layla McCay recognised in two diversity and inclusion leadership awards
The NHS Confederation’s director of policy, improvement and leadership, Dr Layla McCay, has been recognised on two inclusive leadership awards – the Outstanding Role Model Lists and the Diversity Power List.
The Outstanding Role Model Lists showcase LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies from across the globe who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces across the world. The Diversity Power List recognises the 50 top champions of inclusion in the UK – those making a positive difference to others, demonstrating outstanding dedication and positive impact.
Layla has made a huge impact in leading LGBTQ+ inclusion across health and care and at the NHS Confederation.
Layla champions authentic leadership, bringing LGBTQ+ inclusion in all aspects of her work. She role models visible diversity, chairing and speaking on public platforms. She has also written a book called: ‘Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ People Can Thrive and Succeed at Work’. which explores the barriers that exist for LGBTQ+ people within the workplace, and her next book ‘The Queer Bookshelf: a Reader’s Guide’ comes out in June 2026.
Within the NHS Confederation, Layla founded, and is executive sponsor for, the NHS Confederation's LGBTQ+ staff group. This has delivered increased LGBTQ+ visibility, allyship and belonging through meetings, all-staff discussions, policies and organisation wide blogs and videos.
She also is executive lead of the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network, which includes over 2,000 LGBTQ leaders, aspiring leaders and allies working across health and care.
Layla said:
“It’s such an honour to be included in both the Outstanding Role Model Lists and Diversity Power List. . My book, Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling, is about the challenges and barriers that exist for LGBTQ+ people in leadership roles – so it’s brilliant to be recognised alongside so many other inspiring people from across the UK and beyond.
It’s really important to me to be a visible LGBTQ+ leader, so thanks to the NHS Confederation for supporting me and for prioritising diversity and inclusion. I will do my best to keep living up to this lovely recognition.”
View the full Outstanding Role Model Lists and Diversity Power List.
