Classification: Official
Publication reference: B1710-iv

Step 1 – Prepare 

• Read through:
  • the WDES publications and online resources especially the Technical Guidance
  • your trust’s most recent annual report.
• Identify key individuals and assign responsibilities for:
  • completing the WDES metrics and narrative data
  • (trusts only) registering to use the Data Collection Framework (DCF)
  • discussing the metrics with a range of stakeholders, including at board level, and preparing the action plan.
• Schedule a board meeting date to enable the annual report to be reviewed and ratified, then to be published by 31 October.
• Engage with staff, Disabled staff, staff networks, staff-side organisations, Disabled community groups and others to allow their voices to influence the data submission.

Step 2 – Review

• Review and check data sources to ensure systems are in place to complete the data return.
• Read the guidance on how to submit data to ensure you are able to use the system.
• Gather data from internal sources for metrics 1, 2, 3, 9b and 10:
  • Electronic Staff Record (ESR) – metrics 1 and 10.
  • recruitment datasets – metric 2.
  • HR dataset – metric 3.
  • local datasets – metric 9b.
• Review metrics 4 to 9a, sourced from the latest NHS Staff Survey, and compare with previous results.
• Review the narrative questions in the Survey section to ensure a comprehensive and high quality return can be provided.
• Review progress made in the latest action plan.

Step 3 – Act

• Complete and submit the metrics and narrative data returns according to the timetable below.
• Produce a prioritised action plan, gain input from key stakeholders, including Disabled staff, Disabled staff networks, staff groups and staff-side representatives.
• Involve workforce, learning development, talent management and organisational development to help deliver the actions.
• Share the metrics and the proposed actions with all staff.
• Discuss and share good practice within your ICB, region and amongst your peers.
• Gain sign-off from the Board for the annual report which should contain a metrics review and an action plan.
• Publish the annual report on your public facing website by 31 October.
• Share progress and achievements within and beyond your organisation.

WDES 2023 Timetable

Similar dates apply to the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) – although dates for the Medical WRES and Bank WRES may be different.

Guidance and Resources

A range of tools and guidance have been developed by NHS England and NHS Employers to support with the data collection. These include:

• Technical Guidance
• Factsheet
• Metrics summary
• support in developing action plans
• understanding disability infographic
• a guide to improving staff disability data.