Classification: Official
Publication reference: B1710-iii

What is the Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES)?

• The Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) is a mandated evidence-based standard that aims to help improve the experiences of Disabled staff in the NHS.
• The ten WDES metrics enable NHS organisations to compare the workplace and career experiences of Disabled and non-disabled staff.
• The WDES is mandated for provider trusts by the NHS Standard Contract.
• Provider trusts are required to publish a WDES annual report, which should contain:
  • A report that sets out the organisation’s data for each metric.
  • A WDES action plan, which should set out how they will address the differences highlighted by the metrics data in the forthcoming 12 months.
  • A narrative on what progress has been made in delivering the objectives detailed in their 2022 WDES action plan.
• Trusts must publish 2023 WDES annual reports on their website by 31 October 2023.

What is the purpose of the WDES in 2023?

• The purpose of the WDES is to improve the workplace and career experiences of Disabled staff working in and seeking employment in the NHS and build on progress achieved in the first four years (2019 – 2022).
• The WDES 2022 Data Analysis Report provides key findings highlighting inequalities between the experiences of Disabled and non-disabled staff across all 10 metrics. This demonstrates the case for trusts to continue in 2023 to take urgent action to create an inclusive and diverse leadership; reduce bullying and harassment; improve recruitment of a diverse workforce; and improve the retention of Disabled staff.
• The WDES mandates all trusts to build on progress made in 2022 and outline the steps the organisation will take to improve the experiences of Disabled staff in their 2023 WDES action plan.

Which NHS organisations does the WDES apply to in 2023?

• The WDES continues to be mandated for all NHS trusts and foundation trusts, with metrics and narrative data being required.
• It does not apply to the independent sector in 2023, however they are welcome to produce their own WDES data analysis and WDES action plans.

What positive outcomes will the WDES bring in 2023?

• The WDES will help foster a better understanding of the issues faced by Disabled staff and the inequalities they experience compared to non-disabled colleagues.
• Trusts will be able to look at key areas highlighted by their metrics data and will enable them to compare performance on a national, regional, trust type and size basis.
• The WDES will aid trusts to consider Disabled staff representation at all levels throughout the organisation and identify any barriers that stand in the way of career progression.

WDES 2023 Timetable