No Excuse for abuse

Up The Anti

Up The Anti is our approach to tackling discrimination and building a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and free to be. It reflects our commitment to moving beyond simply recognising that discrimination exists, and instead empowering people to assess situations proactively so that discrimination doesn’t take place, or actively challenging it when it occurs.

Through Up The Anti, we aim to build awareness, strengthen self-reflection and give people the confidence and language to address behaviours that undermine civility, inclusion and equity. Up The Anti specifically focuses on eradicating discrimination in relation to the 9 protected characteristics as identified in the Equality Act 2010. This means that anyone who holds a protected characteristic is protected by law against discrimination about that protected characteristic.

 
Our ambition is to create an environment where discrimination is not ignored or accepted, but respectfully challenged. By encouraging open conversations and everyday acts of civility, we want everyone in our organisation to feel able to speak up, support one another and contribute to a culture where differences are welcomed, celebrated and enable us to all thrive. 


We expect everyone who works in, or visits our organisation to play a role in upholding these values. This means treating others with dignity and respect, being open to learning about different experiences and perspectives, and being willing to challenge behaviours that do not align with our commitment to inclusion and equity. 

We do not accept any form of discrimination, be that in one’s words, perceived humour, actions or behaviours. Together, we can create a workplace and healthcare environment where discrimination is not tolerated but actively addressed and subsequently everyone feels they belong.

Actions that align with Up The Anti: These are everyday behaviours that help create a respectful, inclusive environment where discrimination is actively challenged.
  • Speak up respectfully when something doesn’t feel right
  • Challenge comments or behaviours that could be discriminatory, even in small ways, using curiosity and civility.
  • Be open to learning and self-reflection
  • Recognise that everyone has biases and be willing to listen, learn and adjust how you work with others.
  • Use inclusive and respectful language
  • Make an effort to pronounce people’s names correctly, use the correct pronouns,  avoid assumptions and communicate in ways that make everyone feel valued.
  • Support colleagues, patients and visitors who may experience discrimination
  • Offer support, acknowledge, listen to and empathise with others lived experience and help them access the right support where needed.
  • Create space for different voices and perspectives
  • Encourage participation, listen actively and ensure people feel able to contribute without fear of judgement.

 

Actions that do not align with Up The Anti: These behaviours can undermine inclusion and create environments where people feel excluded or unsafe.
  • Discriminatory banter or jokes
  • Comments that stereotype or mock aspects of someone’s identity, even when intended as humour.
  • invasive or inappropriate questioning
  • Pressuring people to explain or justify aspects of their identity, culture, religion or personal life.
  • Dismissing or minimising someone’s experience
  • Telling someone they are “too sensitive” or that discrimination “wasn’t meant that way.”
  • Making assumptions about someone’s abilities or role
  • Judging someone based on stereotypes about gender, ethnicity, age, disability or background.
  • Staying silent when discriminatory behaviour occurs
  • Ignoring behaviour that undermines inclusion rather than respectfully addressing or reporting it.