Equality, diversity & inclusion
The Trust recognises the diversity and difference that exist within our workforce and the communities we serve across, Pontefract, Wakefield and the North Kirklees area.
Our commitment
The Trust recognises the diversity and difference that exist within our workforce and the communities we serve across, Pontefract, Wakefield and the North Kirklees area. We will seek to ensure that in the delivery of our services we give proper regard to the needs diverse groups within our workforce and these communities.
We are committed to promoting inclusive practices in our day to day interactions with all our patients, carers, visitors and staff with respect to race, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, mental or physical disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation, age, maternity or social class.
Staff Networks, Mymy Del Rosario, Matron for Workforce Inclusion and Education
Watch Chioma Ejiogu, Assistant Director of Workforce and OD, explain how we approach inclusion.
In line with our Vision, values and behaviours we will strive to treat all patients, carers, visitors and staff with ‘Respect’ and dignity at all times, to put ‘Caring’ at the heart of everything we do, to ensure that ‘High Standards’ of patient services and experience are provided at all times and ‘Improving’ what we do is our constant ambition.
This is not a new commitment on the part of the Trust; it is a restatement of our continuing efforts to recognise diversity, embrace difference and engage the workforce and local communities as we go about our business.
Workforce information and EDI
As a major employer across central Yorkshire we are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of our local communities: this is one of the Equality Objectives (EO) established by our recently published Equality and Diversity Strategy.
In delivering on this EO we continue to review our HR policies and practice as we strive to ensure that we take account of the diversity in our workforce. The Trust recognises the duties placed on by the Public Sector Equality Duty contained in the Equality Act 2010 in respect of publishing information about its workforce.
#allMYteam
We are proud to have a culturally diverse workforce, with all of our colleagues working together to provide compassionate, expert patient care. The above artwork is a celebration and a representation of our Mid Yorkshire team and core values: taking responsibility for providing the best services and patient experience, improving, and being respectful and caring towards everyone.
You can learn more about our workforce nationalities here.
MY Purple Promise
Following the Accessible Information Standard (AIS), which came in to effect in 2016, we have developed MY Purple Promise.
AIS aims to make sure that people have access to information that they can understand and any communication support they might need. All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must follow the Accessible Information Standard.
We will strive to provide an excellent patient experience each and every time, by continually improving our communication and accessibility standards for patients who require additional support to access our services.
NHS Rainbow Badge Scheme
A recent Stonewall survey (published in November 2018) estimates that one in five LGBTQ+ people do not disclose their sexual orientation to any healthcare professional when seeking general medical care, and one in seven LGBTQ+ people have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination.
Despite the progress made towards LGBTQ+ equality in recent years, many LGBTQ+ people still face significant barriers to leading healthy, happy and fulfilling lives. With high rates of poor mental health and challenges when accessing healthcare a contributing factor.
Phase one of the NHS Rainbow Badge was developed and led by the Evelina London Children’s Hospital (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust).
It was launched in 2018 as a way for NHS staff to demonstrate that they are aware of the issues relating the the Stonewall survey.
By signing up, we are showing that our Trust offers open, non-judgmental and inclusive support and care for all, regardless of how people identify themselves.
Staff networks
At the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust we are committed to ensuring our services and employment practices are inclusive and that we engage, listen, learn and act to improve the culture of our organisation.
Dedicated staff networks across the Trust provide a powerful way for all staff to engage with people with expertise on matters related to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our Race Equality Network provides a platform for all staff of black, Asian or minority ethnic background, or staff who have an interest in supporting race equality in the Trust.
The MY LGBTQ+ staff network aims to create a supportive space for LGBT+ colleagues that raises the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community at the Trust and that can influence decision making.
The Trust has also recently established and Disabilities and Long-term Conditions Network.
