Equality and Diversity Forum
Background
The Equality and Diversity Forum at Yeovil District Hospital was developed
and evolved through the Improving Working Lives initiatives which started
in November 2003.
The Forum consists of a wide range of professions and grades of staff. Meetings are held quarterly, giving members an opportunity to meet and discuss a range of topics and issues around the Trust and NHS policies, eg bullying and harassment, disability, racial harassment and equal opportunities.
Speakers are regularly invited from other parts of the Network, from
the Trust (e.g. Human Resources) or Trades Unions.
The Forum has been developed with the enthusiastic support of the Trust
Board, particularly the Director of Human Resources. It is also a positive
step to ensuring a fully inclusive work environment for all staff.
As stated in the document “Vital Connection – Equalities Framework For the NHS” (NHS Executive, April 2000): “It has to create an environment in which individuals feel valued and in which differences are recognised and fully utilised.”
Trust Commitment
The Trust Board supports and commends the work of the Equality and Diversity
Forum, and actively encourages staff to join. The Forum allows us to communicate
directly with a diverse group of staff on issues that are important to
both the organisation and to individuals, such as policy development,
equal opportunities, recruitment and retention, and training.
The Forum allows individuals to voice their opinions in a supportive environment and warmly welcomes new staff members from all backgrounds.
Aims and Objectives
Encourage equality and career opportunities for all black and
minority ethnic staff at Yeovil District Hospital and South Somerset Primary
Care Trust
Promote personal development through interactive and challenging experiences within the learning environment
Acknowledge, celebrate and enjoy individual and collective success
Promote and share good employment practices in order to ensure recruitment and retention of staff in healthcare services
Challenge constructively inequalities, bullying and harassment, discrimination and racism whenever it is found in the NHS, and promote shared good practice within Yeovil District Hospital and partner organisations such as Primary Care Trusts
Promote and share good practice in the delivery of services to patients and their carers and families, recognising the special needs of those from black and minority ethnic communities
Create sub/working groups to deal with specific issues and areas of interest
Constantly review our vision, expectations, and practice
Foster good working relationships with community and health service groups and organisations, e.g., Somerset Racial Equality Council and trades union groups
Become an effective resource for policy makers, and black and minority ethnic workers and groups
Publish articles that will enlighten, encourage and promote issues affecting black and minority ethnic workers at Yeovil District Hospital and South Somerset Primary Care Trust, plus the wider health service and the community it serves.
Benefits for Individuals at Yeovil District Hospital and South Somerset Primary Care Trust
Improved retention rate of black and minority ethnic workers, aiding consistency and quality of practice
Increased job satisfaction for black and minority ethnic workers
Increased motivation and productivity
Reduced absenteeism and improved time-keeping
Supported personal development of black minority ethnic staff by improving knowledge and confidence
Sharing and making others aware of any barriers to career progression
Increased knowledge of Yeovil District Hospital’s commitment to Improving Working Lives
To date, Yeovil District Hospital boasts a very diverse workforce.
Their immense contribution to the delivery of patient care and their
value to the Trust is immeasurable. Their impact in the future will
be very beneficial to the Trust. At the end of January 2005, the total
percentage of black and ethnic minority staff working in the Trust were
as follows:
Mix African 0.23%
Asian other 2.41%
Indian 3.16%
Pakistani 0.57%
Bangladeshi 0.06%
Black Caribbean 0.11%
Black African 0.52%
Chinese 0.46%
White-Irish 0.57%