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FAQs: Positively Diverse

 
This page has frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Positively Diverse.

What is the purpose of Positively Diverse?

What are the stages in the Positively Diverse Process?

Isn't Positively Diverse just about doing an audit?

Is Positively Diverse all about process, but not solutions?

How much effort is involved in the Positively Diverse Process?

How does the National Network help?


What is the purpose of Positively Diverse?

Positively Diverse provides a mechanism for NHS organisations to assess how well they are meeting their requirements to ensure that NHS staff are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.  It also provides practical guidance on how to address the diverse needs of the local community by ensuring that the workforce understands, supports and reflects those needs.

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What are the stages in the Positively Diverse Process?

There are six stages in the process:

  • planning and preparation
  • mapping the organisation - finding out 'where we are now'
  • creating a picture for where we would like to be
  • designing and prioritising actions to achieve our aims
  • implementing solutions
  • measuring progress and ensuring that the momentum is maintained. 

The stages provide a strategic framework for tackling an area which is high on an organisation’s agenda but that is often difficult to approach in an organised, methodical way.

Following the stages ensures that:

  • there is some reasonably objective evidence for establishing what the real issues are - rather than relying on 'corporate assumptions' or even 'corporate myths'
  • options for action can be evaluated, costed and prioritised in a systematic way
  • actions can be implemented to ensure early pay-back, in terms of measurable improvement
  • the effects of actions can be monitored to ensure that they remain appropriate under changing conditions.

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Isn't Positively Diverse just about doing an audit?

No. The first stage does include an audit of staff opinion regarding a range of equal opportunity and equalities issues.  This provides part of the basis for establishing, reasonably objectively, 'where are we now'. The following stages employ tried and tested strategic analysis and change management techniques to help to complete the picture: what changes are we seeking? What are the options for action? Which should we implement first? How shall we monitor improvements?

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Is Positively Diverse all about process, but not solutions?

The Positively Diverse method emphasises the importance and benefit of taking a strategic and methodical approach, to establish clearly what the local issues actually are and how best they can addressed - rather than simply implementing solutions 'off the shelf'. However, the field book includes material on actions undertaken by pilot sites, and others, which may be applicable to other organisations.

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How much effort is involved in the Positively Diverse Process?

As a comprehensive, strategic method, undertaking the process will require some dedicated effort from within your organisation.  This is described in detail in the field book.  In terms of timescales, this will obviously vary according to local circumstances, but experience suggests that, for most organisations, undertaking the full process would take a minimum of six months and a maximum of 12.

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How does the National Network help?

The National Network can provide advice, guidance and support for new sites undertaking the process for the first time.

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Last reviewed 7 May 2008

Contacts

Marcia Brown
Tel 0113 306 3020
Email Marcia.Brown@nhsemployers.org|
 

Publications

Positively Diverse - The Field Book, Part 1 - the process Part 1 of The Field Book has been designed to provide support to you in taking your organisation through the process. It describes the approach in detail, provides practical advice on how to implement it successfully and includes a range of templates (593 kB PDF)|

Positively Diverse - The Field Book, Part 2 - the solutions This section sets out some of the approaches adopted by Positively Diverse organisations, and others, to help them achieve real improvements in the working lives of their staff. The solutions are set out here as ‘food for thought’. (205 kB PDF)|

Positively Diverse - The Field Book, appendices Positively Diverse - The Field Book, appendices (841 kB PDF)|

The quick guide to Positively Diverse This guide provides a summary of the Positively Diverse process. It is intended for use in conjunction with the Positively Diverse Field Book. (131 kB PDF)|

Applications for seed funding from Positively Diverse  (31 kB DOC)|

Planning accessible events Checklist (83 kB PDF)|

Staff support groups Flowchart (84 kB PDF)|

Positively Diverse solutions  (205 kB PDF)|

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Copyright © 2007 NHS Employers

A part of the NHS Confederation working on behalf of the NHS

The NHS Confederation (Employers) Company Ltd. Registered in England. Company limited by guarantee: no. 5252407