Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We believe everyone should feel respected, valued and able to be themselves. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where our colleagues, and patients are treated with compassion, respect and fairness. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusion, we strengthen our workforce, improve patient care and better reflect the communities we serve.
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are integral to our CARE values and central to delivering outstanding care
Our Staff Networks
Our staff networks are a key part of creating an inclusive culture at the Trust. They bring together colleagues with shared experiences and interests, providing opportunities to connect, support one another and contribute to the development of a more inclusive organisation.
The networks work collaboratively with senior leaders and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team to help shape policies, influence organisational priorities and ensure the voices and experiences of our diverse workforce are reflected in decision-making. They also play an important role in raising awareness, celebrating diversity and supporting initiatives that improve the experience of both our colleagues and the patients we serve.
We currently have the following staff networks and forums:
- Disability and Wellness Network
- Supporting colleagues with disabilities, long-term condition and wellbeing needs, and promoting greater disability inclusion and accessibility.
- Pride Network
- Supporting our LGBT+ colleagues and allies and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion across the Trust.
- Neurodiversity Network
- Supporting neurodivergent colleagues and allies, raising awareness and promoting a neuro-inclusive and accessible workplace.
- Global Majority Network
- Supporting colleagues from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and promoting racial Equality, inclusion and belonging.
- Women’s+ Network
- Providing a space to connect, share experience and champion issues affecting women and colleagues who identify with the network.
- Carers Network
- Supporting colleagues who have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside their work.
- Armed Forces Forum
- Bring together and supporting colleagues with connection to the Armed Forces Community.
- Internationally Educated Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals Forum (IEN/IEM/IEAHPs Forum)
- Supporting internationally educated colleagues to connect, share experience and contribute to an inclusive and supportive workplace.
How we are making a difference
Equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across everything we do. Our priorities reflect our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, delivering equitable care and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity, compassion and respect. By focusing on these key areas, we aim to create meaningful and lasting improvements for the communities we serve.
- Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
- Supporting our staff networks to ensure colleagues’ voices help shape organisational decisions and drive meaningful change.
- Reducing health inequalities by improving access, experience and outcomes for all patients.
- Promoting inclusive recruitment and career development to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce.
- Building inclusion capability by equipping colleagues and leaders with the knowledge and confidence to create inclusive teams.
- Collaborating with communities, stakeholders and partners across the wider NHS to share learning, develop best practice and drive continuous improvement in Equality, diversity and inclusion
Up the Anti (UTA)
Up the Anti is our anti-discrimination programme, supporting our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The programme focuses on supporting Leaders and Advocates across our organisation through specialised training resources and ongoing learning. This helps colleagues develop the knowledge and skilled to recognise and challenge discrimination and promote inclusive behaviours within their areas.
By equipping leaders and advocates to champion inclusion within their teams, UTA helps us embed meaningful and sustainable change across the Trust.
Ongoing Commitment
We know that creating a truly inclusive organisation requires continuous learning and improvement. We are committed to listening to and engaging with our colleagues, providing opportunities for learning and development and continuing to review and strengthen our approach in line with emerging evidence and best practice.
Through ongoing staff engagement, learning and collaboration, we will continue to build a culture where everyone feels valued, and able to thrive.