Equality and Human Rights

(Download the 2009 Multifaith Calendar)

Stoke on Trent Community Health Services is the provider function of NHS Stoke on Trent and is commited to the same principles and policies of Equality and Human Rights; these are part of our core values. We aim to be an inclusive organisation where everyone has a fair opportunity to fulfil their potential and have an equal opportunity to access healthcare services and improve their health. We are dedicated to delivering cultural competent services for all our service users. All staff and service users will be treated with respect and dignity and will be expected to treat each other with dignity and respect.

Stoke on Trent Community Health Services is committed to reflecting the richness of diversity that exists in society, including people of different abilities / disabilities, age, religion, culture, race, sexual orientation and gender within our workforce. As an employer we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and development for all our staff, students and trainees.

Corporate Commitment

NHS Stoke on Trent has recently undertaken a gap analysis of its compliance within the field of Equality and Human Rights and a review of its team to ensure it is fit for purpose. A considerable amount of work has been undertaken to meet compliance and a draft Single Equality Scheme with equality impact assessments has been produced. We have an Equality and Human Rights Team who are experts within the field and can offer support and raise the profile of the equalities strands and measure us internally against the statutory duty and progress on actions identified within our scheme. The team works with staff and service users. For more information contact them via email Mrs Balwinder Kaur at respect@stokepct.nhs.uk or call Longton Cottage Hospital 01782 425600.

We strive to ensure that the equalities duties are embedded in how we provide, plan, deliver and promote services which are accessible and appropriate. Our Draft Single equality scheme sets out our how we will promote inclusive services and employment practice eliminating unlawful discrimination and promoting respect and dignity.

We have developed a Managing Diversity Strategy and approved Race, Gender and Disability Equality Schemes. Good progress has been made and it is now our aim to bring this work together within the Single Equality Scheme with the developing legal obligations in relation to religious belief, sexual orientation and age. Equality Impact Assessments (this guidance is currently being reviewed) have been undertaken on the functions of the organisation and work is underway to prioritise all policies and strategies to be equalities impact assessed over the next three years.

Please take the time to read the Single Equality Scheme and give us your valuable feedback. You can send your comments by email to Balwinder Kaur, Equality & Human Rights Manager on balwinder.kaur@stoke.nhs.uk or respect@stokepct.nhs.uk. Please note this consultation will end on the 15th January.

Equality Impact Assessments Undertaken 2008.

Within our RESPECT agenda we have produced many resources in partnership with our local community organisations and individual members. These leaflets are designed for the use of staff, service users and our partners clearly stating our commitment to each equality strand.

NHS Stoke on Trent is committed to providing culturally competent services; in order to deliver effectively and engage with its service users and staff the organisation is aware that communication in all aspects has to be competent and sensitive. Communication competence is not about language alone and the organisation have produced Guidelines for Cross-cultural communication and Guidelines for the use of an interpreter (language/sign) to compliment its existing Interpreter policy which is currently under review as part of the RESPECT Agenda. We are also developing training packages in partnership with our local community members and relevant directorates on Communication competence, Cultural Competence (Cultural Awareness and its implications to CHD and Diabetes Services: Equalities Data Collection and Healthy Eating).

Stonewall

NHS Stoke on Trent is a Stonewall Diversity Champion member and have partaken in the Workplace Equality Index 2009 (awaiting results). This is the definitive national benchmarking exercise showcasing Britain's top employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. We are committed to working positively to reinforce the benefits of serving a diverse community as well as its staff community. The Equality and Human Rights Manager has committed to partnership working with the local LGBT and LGB Network within the area. The LGB network was involved with the RESPECT (A1) Agenda and delivered workshops to staff. It is envisaged that more detailed awareness and support to staff and service users from this community is required.

Two Ticks Health and Disability

NHS Stoke on Trent is committed to supporting people with disabilities and long term health conditions in the workplace as well as delivering competent services to our community members. We have taken action to meet commitments in employment, retention, training and career development. We are aware there is a lot of work still to be undertaken and have identified this as an action within our Single Equality Scheme. The Equality and Human Rights has committed to partnership working with local based groups for people with disabilities (physical, sensory and Learning). Local groups eg; Disability Solutions and REACH were involved with the RESPECT Agenda and delivered workshops to staff. It is envisaged that more detailed awareness and support to staff and service users from this community is required.

Improving Working Lives

NHS Stoke on Trent has achieved its Practice Plus Status which sets a model of good Human Resources practice against which NHS employers and their staff can measure Human Resource management: improving the working lives of their staff.

Pacesetters Programme

NHS Stoke on Trent has been successful in its application to Wave 2 of the National Pacesetters Programme. The Pacesetters programme is a partnership between local communities, the National Health Service and the Department of Health. The programme aims to:

Improve both the health status of individuals from those communities who experience the greatest health inequalities arising from discrimination, and their experience of the NHS
Ensure that the NHS is an "employer of choice" and the NHS workplace is free of discrimination

The four projects the organisation will be working on are currently being developed ready for submission in January 2009. More details will be added to this section as the projects unfold www.keystone-group.co.uk/stp

Workforce Data

NHS Stoke on Trent employs a diverse workforce which in the main represents the demography of Stoke on Trent. Some minority categories are over represented when compared against the local demographic data and some under represented. The gender split is dominated by females which is typical of the caring professions in the health service. NHS Stoke on Trent employs young people and people beyond the normal age of retirement. The workforce is evenly spread across age groups. People with disabilities are supported within the organisation, however data collection of staff employed with disabilities requires closer monitoring.

These points are noted for action to be included within the Single Equality Scheme. The organisation has included workforce development, recruitment and retention within its Workforce Strategy.

If you have any comments or would wish more information please do not hesitate to contact the Equality and Human Rights Team respect@stokepct.nhs.uk or call Longton Cottage Hospital 01782 425600.