Equality, diversity and inclusion

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust has two identified Executive leads for inequalities who Co-Chair the Equality & Diversity group (EDIG) bi-monthly meetings. This is attended by representatives from across the Trust, including senior managers, union representatives and governors. The Committee reports to the Workforce Strategy committee and to the Board.

Purpose

EDIG serves to provide assurance that the Trust has an effective framework within which it can deliver the major projects and initiatives that form part of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Ensuring UHD commits to equality, diversity and inclusion agenda for the benefit of our patients and staff and in line with best practice and current legislation;

Monitoring implementation progress of all components of the ED&I strategy in line with national policy requirements;

Supporting and collaborating with the Dorset ICS to ensure the health needs of the diverse communities we serve are understood and best met;

Encouraging and promoting inclusive workplaces free from discrimination and where our diverse staff can flourish;

Challenging the organisation, holding it and individuals within it to account, where and when the above does not happen;

Ensuring all staff are supported in understanding the Trust’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and demonstrate this in their roles.

Responsibilities

The EDIG will provide advice to the Chief Executive and Chief Officers on equality, diversity and inclusion matters. It will also monitor the delivery of the Trust’s ED&I strategy, advising and agreeing any mitigating or corrective action and / or interventions as appropriate. This will include the following:

• to provide organisational leadership and direction on all matters related to equality, diversity and inclusion;
• to determine and make recommendations regarding the trust's strategic direction in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion, taking into account relevant legislation and national initiatives;
• to oversee the implementation of the Trust's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Equality Delivery System, Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES), Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) and Gender Pay Gap, developing new actions as appropriate and monitoring of outcomes;
• to review and advise on appropriate interventions for equality, diversity and inclusion including assurance when these are completed and assessment of overall impact;
• to provide support and information to all staff to facilitate improvements in the area of equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, staff and our local community;
• to ensure that changes and developments in policy and / or decisions are communicated effectively through the organisation;
• to communicate effectively with patients, staff, governors and trust members in relation to our equality, diversity and inclusion work.

Membership

• Non-Executive Director (Co-Chair)
• Chief Officer (Co-Chair)
• Non-Executive Director
• Care Group Medical Director
• Care Group Director of Nursing
• Care Group Director of Operations
• Chairs: Staff Networks
• Chair(s): Staff Partnership Forum
• Director of Organisational Development
• Deputy Chief People Officer
• Diversity and Inclusion Lead
• Head of Patient Engagement and PALS
• Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
• Representative: Hospital Chaplaincy
• Representative: Council of Governors
• Representative: Corporate Services