As a public sector organisation, we have legal obligations related to equality but there's more to it than that. Equality refers to our legal and policy framework, Diversity, describes the different characteristics of our people and Inclusion refers to how our actions create our organisational culture.
The information and resources below are here to help all our people create a workplace where we feel at home and belong.
We recognise that the Trust has a diverse workforce, and that we have a duty to provide equal opportunities to all of our employees without bias or discrimination regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious beliefs, disability or sexual orientation.
We currently have the following employee networks, each with an executive sponsor from our Board of Directors:
- Our Armed Forces Network
- Race Equality and Cultural Inclusion Network
- DAWN (Disability and Wellbeing Network)
- Be Yourself
- Carers' Network
These networks offer colleagues a safe place to receive support, advice and encouragement about work-related issues. They also serve as forums to exchange views and experiences and raise concerns. Their aim is to improve working lives, promote diversity and raise the standard of the services we provide.
The Armed Forces Network provides support to patients and colleagues with armed forces connections, including immediate family members or carers of those who have or currently are serving.
The network has close links to the British Legion and other armed forces charities. The Trust is also Veteran Aware accredited.
The Race, Equality and Cultural Inclusion (RECI) Colleague Network raises awareness about our cultural diversity within the Trust, and celebrate cultural events. They are also supporting the development of the Trust's first Anti-racism strategy.
The network provides a safe space for ethnic minority and international colleagues to network, share experiences, or raise concerns.
One in four of us have a disability or a long term health condition, but it can sometimes feel we’re alone with it. The Disability and Wellbeing (DAWN) Staff Network has a space to meet, talk and create a supportive community.
The Be Yourself staff network group aims to provide a safe space for conversation, mutual support and encouragement.
The group supports sharing of ideas for improvements to be made, with enables everyone to bring their whole selves to work without fear of exclusion or rejection.