Equality, diversity and inclusion
As part of our Great Place to Work programme we know that people perform better when they feel they can be themselves. As a Trust we want to foster a culture of 'acceptance without exception'.
Investing in a diverse NHS workforce enables us as a Trust to deliver a more inclusive service and improve patient care.
Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Diversity is about recognising and valuing difference in its broadest sense. Inclusion is about an individual’s experience within the workplace and in wider society and the extent to which they feel valued and included.
As a public authority we have legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010 to promote equality with due regard to the protected characteristics of:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender re-assignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity,
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
The Equality Act 2010 created a new general duty on the NHS, when carrying out their functions to have due regard to:
- The need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- The need to advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not
- The need to foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not
The Equality Act 2010 provides protection from “prohibited conduct” for groups of people with protected characteristics. Examples of prohibited conduct includes, direct discrimination (including combination discrimination), indirect discrimination, discrimination by association, discrimination by perception, harassment and victimisation.
The needs and circumstances for our patients, carers, communities and staff can be distinct and specific. In providing quality services and workforce environments that are appropriate and effective for all, we can prioritise and promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
NHS Employers Equality and Diversity Partner Programme
Solent NHS Trust was privileged to have been selected as one of NHS Employers Equality and Diversity Partners in 2017/18 and we continued in 2018/19. This was a fantastic opportunity to work with NHS employers and other partners, as well as national stakeholders such as the NHS Leadership Academy and NHS England to support us to embed and integrate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) into the culture and structure at Solent, and for us to be involved in system wide efforts to improve EDI across the NHS. For more information about the partner programme click here.
Southampton 2025 City of Culture - Solent Inclusion Pledge
"Solent NHS Trust is a proud partner of the Southampton 2025 UK City of Culture bid. Our values guide our passion in developing an open and inclusive culture free of discrimination which is built around a strong sense of belonging for all. We can achieve this by being accountable and taking action so that measurable processes and systems are in place to make things happen. This includes education, awareness, ally ship and engagement across a diverse workforce which reflects the communities we serve with more diverse people in higher banded roles and improved progression pathways, including secondment and shadowing opportunities for people with protected characteristics, ensuring our people can grow and bring their whole authentic selves into the workplace alongside the delivery of the best possible healthcare."
Anna Rowen – Associate Director of Diversity & Inclusion
