NHS Employers equality and diversity team offers NHS organisations advice on diversity issues, assistance and access to networks. We have developed a rolling three year strategy, setting out our equality and diversity aims and objectives, together with a detailed business plan.
Strategy
Within the strategy there is a framework setting out the support mechanisms and activities which we provide and undertake, including:
- incorporating equality and diversity as a central component of all workforce strategies in the NHS
- highlighting the contribution and benefits that having a diverse workforce can bring, both in terms of improving health and reducing inequalities in proving health care
The development of the strategy has been overseen by our Equality and Diversity Core Reference Group - which is an employers group made up of Assembly Members and other key equality and diversity experts from trusts across the NHS. The Core Reference Group also links into the work of the Equality and Diversity Sub Group of the NHS Staff Council, which is responsible for ensuring that the Knowledge and Skills Framework and the national conditions of service for NHS staff negotiated under Agenda for Change are compliant with the relevant equality legislation. Its work is also informed by the NHS Diversity Forum which is made up of key stakeholders from organisations, such as, trades unions, professional associations and regulatory bodies within the wider NHS community.
Summary of work programme 2008/09
Below is a summary of the work programme that the NHS Employers equality and diversity team will be taking forward during 2008/2009
Legislation
- Supporting employers on meeting their current legal and statutory responsibilities including any new legislation like the Equality Bill
Diversity monitoring and benchmarking
- Supporting employers in identifying, collecting and analysing data to meet their diversity monitoring responsibilities
- Helping employers to establish a consistent approach to benchmarking, to measure their progress on the equality and diversity agenda
Leadership and board development
- Enhancing the leadership and capability in trusts to help them progress the equality and diversity agenda
Supporting employer groups
- Representing employer views on key national forums ranging from the NHS Staff Council to specialist diversity groups like Stonewall and Carers UK
Practical guidance
- Providing practical guidance and support on a range of key areas including single equality schemes and equality impact assessments, as well as sharing good practice showcasing what other trusts are doing across the diversity strands
Equality and Diversity annual conference
- Holding the fourth equality and diversity annual conference, that will:
- showcase the work of the NHS in the field of equality and diversity
- provide equality and diversity practitioners and champions with up to date information and the latest developments in the equality and diversity field
National forums
NHS Employers works closely with the key national organisations that focus on diversity issues, representing employers' views. This page has brief details on these organisations and how we work with them, on behalf of employers.
Get involved in E and D
We are committed to helping and supporting the NHS in driving the workforce agenda and in having an independent voice on workforce issues. We host a number of groups and forums to ensure that employer involvement is central to all our work around equality and diversity.
Last reviewed 24 Jul 2008
