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Blogs / 24.10.2025
Standing Firm in Power and Pride with Joseph Charles - Celebrating Black History Month
This Black History Month, we are proud to celebrate and recognise the stories of our colleagues who continue to make a positive impact every day.
Joseph Charles, Patient Experience Manager with Medirest Healthcare, shares his journey at Compass Group UK&I, his reflections on leadership and inclusion, and what this year’s Black History Month theme – Standing Firm in Power & Pride – means to him.
Tell us about your journey at Compass Group UK&I. How long have you been working with the company and what is your current job role?
My journey with Compass Group UK&I began on the first day of lockdown in 2020. I used to work in the Events and Hospitality industry, which was one of the first industries to be put on hold during the pandemic. I still remember getting the call to work for Medirest, within my local hospital, to help with the added pressure the pandemic was inflicting on the Healthcare industry.
I was offered a helpdesk role, which I felt was the perfect fit for my skill set as I had previous experience. I didn’t need long to ponder my decision, even though as a youth I disliked hospitals in general, I wanted to set a good example for my children — that their father would face fear with courage and rather than retreat, I would step forward when it mattered most.
After a few weeks, social distancing came into effect and, as a new starter, I was one of five helpdesk operators selected to work on the front line as a porter, temporarily. I embraced the opportunity and, when other chances presented themselves, I made sure to make myself available, expand my experience and put myself in a competitive position for future vacancies.
Now, I have held numerous different positions for Medirest and currently work as a Patient Experience Manager, covering multiple hospitals. Compass is one of the best companies I have worked for when it comes to inclusion and diversity. It’s an environment where I’ve not only felt welcomed but also empowered. I’ve been given meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and develop — and that’s something I truly value.
We want to focus on Black History Month and the theme of service and sacrifice within hospitality. How do you embrace these values within your role?
Through dedication and commitment. Something I have utilised and now implement is to treat people as they would like to be treated.
In my role, I embrace service by actively listening to patients and staff, analysing processes and feedback, and seeking creative solutions to identify improvements or address concerns. My character is to think outside the box to solve problems, but it’s always about following protocols to ensure compliance and safety, and to keep things safe and fair.
Sacrifice is the commitment to go beyond the expected, and to lead with purpose — whether I’m working late double-checking data or rolling up my sleeves and supporting the team when things get hectic. I strive to deliver exceptional care with sincerity and enhanced thinking, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard, rather than treating everyone the same.
The theme for Black History Month this year is ‘Standing Firm in Power & Pride’. What does that mean to you?
‘Standing Firm in Power & Pride’ reflects my commitment to authenticity and purpose in every space I enter. Staying grounded, understanding my heritage and the strength of those who came before me, I aspire to honour their resilience through advocacy for equity, mentorship, and leadership rooted in integrity.
I hold myself to a standard of excellence and impact, carrying pride in my work that elevates both my role and those around me — and being comfortable enough to crack a joke or two along the way.
Do you think seeing an ethnically diverse Senior Leadership Team would help create a sense of pride and belonging for employees?
Absolutely, 100%. A diverse Senior Leadership Team is a game-changer for pride and belonging amongst employees, but those leaders need to be there for the right reasons — fairly chosen, and not tokenism.
As someone who balances a maverick mindset with a respect for rules, I see the value in leaders who reflect diverse backgrounds and bring bold, inclusive perspectives to the table. Such representation signals that opportunities are accessible to all, inspiring employees like me to aim high.
In this industry, where cultural sensitivity is critical, diverse leadership ensures policies resonate with both staff and patients, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued. This alignment drives my commitment to deliver exceptional service, knowing my contributions are part of a broader, inclusive vision.
Closing Thoughts
Joseph’s story is one of courage, leadership, and authenticity. His journey reflects Medirest's ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion, opportunity, and pride across all teams and communities.