NHS Midlands: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Platform

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) can be defined as ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of an individual’s protected characteristics. The EDI agenda is an integral part of our vision for the future of the NHS and reflects our commitment to ensuring our services are fully accessible and meet the diverse needs of the people we serve. It aims to eradicate prejudice and discrimination by identifying our workforce aspirations and establishing support for all members of staff.

There is a great deal to be proud of. NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands supports 11 ICS’s and STP’s. 42 Trusts and 39 CCG’s and together we provide high quality and excellent services that meet the needs of our patients. Our role is to ensure it is an inclusive place to work with our focus being to reduce barriers for everyone. We are devoted in ensuring there is no unjustified discrimination in our processes for recruitment, performance management and pay, and that promotion is unbiased across all our directorates.

The aim of this page is to share information and encourage engagement in the wide range of events, networks and activities going on across NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands. It will provide insights, resources and examples of how to raise awareness and enable your team to discuss key topics, build connections and explore shared experiences that allow an inclusive and diverse workplace.

“In the Midlands we have made a clear commitment to tackle racism and other types of discriminations. We have a strategy that we have co-developed to help us address some of the inequalities experienced by our workforce. We now need to have the evidence that all leaders can clearly demonstrate that they are working in an inclusive and antiracist manner in line with our Race Equality and Inclusion Strategy. This page will hopefully provide the necessary resources for colleagues to help them implement the strategy. Effective implementation of the strategy will not only benefit people who experience racism but will create a sense of belonging for all staff.”

Kuvy Seenan, Head of Equality and Inclusion & WRES Expert – Midlands
(Pronouns – He/Him)

 

“At NHSEI Midlands we strongly believe that through building a culture of inclusivity, where everyone feels a sense of belonging, will have a vital impact on how we support inclusive patient and service user experiences and outcomes.

“Tackling Race, Equality and inclusion is a key priority, which has the full commitment of our regional leadership through their support as role models and through their investment, both personally and financially to ensure overcoming health and workforce inequalities is at the forefront of our activity. To support our strategic intentions we need to ensure that our staff understand their role as Allies through the provision of education, to enhance cultural competence for all, regardless of background.

“This platform aims to provide a wide range of educational tools and support including research, publications, blogs, podcasts, patient and staff stories from lived experience and much more. All we ask is that you utilise this rich pool of knowledge to lead discussions around all elements of inclusion, at all levels in our organisations, so we can celebrate difference and challenge all forms of discrimination with confidence.”

Rachel Blunt, Assistant Director of Programmes for EDI/OD and Digital Transformation
Pronouns (Her/She)