Equality, diversity and inclusion
Staff Networks - European Staff Network
The European Staff Network aims to provide support and guidance to EU staff, prevent discrimination taking place and create more inclusive training and development opportunities in the Trust.
We are open to all European staff and colleagues supporting their European peers.
We aim to:
- Support each other, provide guidance when needed and grow the network
- Maintain up to date relevant information and access on training, changes in legislation, and opportunities for career progression. We want to make this available to all staff, including those with no access to a computer.
- Ensure managers are distributing relevant information for EU staff and supporting them in their development
- Encourage opportunities EU staff feedback at the board level
The network leads are Ewa Kielan and Luminita Georgescu. To find out more, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Beyond Difference Dorset ICS - a Leadership Development Programme for aspiring leaders
Covid-19 and the EU settlement scheme
Upcoming events
TBC
Important information
Reassurance to EU staff in unsettling times
Chief Executive Debbie Fleming has reiterated her appreciation and support for our EU staff support during this unsettling time.
- You can read the updated December 2020 letter here: Letter of appreciation
- A short film made in December 2019 that also reiterates our support can be viewed here. Please share these with your colleagues.
EU Settlement Scheme Information
If you'd like to find out more about how to apply, please see the below information:
As of 9 October 2019, 2 million applications for the scheme had been received by the Home Office and more than 1.5 million people had a status confirmed.
Approximately 60% of applications result in an award of 'settled' status. The remaining 40% are awarded 'pre-settled' status.
Only 2 applications have so far been refused on suitability grounds by the Home Office.
NHS Employers update - 1st May 2019
Government update - 28 January 2019
Valuing our EU and international staff
Dear colleagues,
Within our hospitals, we employ many staff from outside the UK, representing over 50 nationalities and I know that the talent and skills of these colleagues contributes significantly to the strength of our organisation. This diversity is valued enormously by patients and staff alike, and plays an important part in enabling us to maintain high standards of patient-centred care.
As our Parliamentarians work through the next steps for the UK after the EU referendum, I am aware that a number of our hospitals' international staff - especially those who have joined the NHS from EU countries - may be concerned about the impact of this on their roles within the service.
We would like to reassure all our EU and international staff that at RBCH and Poole Hospital it is 'business as usual' as we continue to provide high quality care that is being delivered by all our staff.
Whilst the work associated with the outcome of the referendum has undoubtedly created uncertainty and new challenges, our hospitals will continue to support our whole workforce and continue to value our EU and international team members. We recognise that the current national position must be unsettling, so if you have any concerns, please do contact Yonela Tyali, HR Business Associate (ext 6119), Brenda Boyde, HR Administrator (ext 6119) or Vicky Douglas/Wendy Holdich (job share), Head of HR Operations RBCH (ext 4549). Or please do contact our staff European Network on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank you for your continued commitment, hard work and professionalism. It is very much appreciated by me and, most importantly, by those you care for every day within our hospitals.
Best wishes
Debbie Fleming
Joint Chief Executive
Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
EU Settlement Scheme update - December 2018
Visa update - November 2018
We're pleased to announce that we'll be paying for the visas required for all EU staff as a result of the UK leaving the European Union.
There will be a fee for all members of staff applying for "settled status", which we are glad to pay to ensure Team RBCH continues to benefit from the enormous contribution of our staff from across Europe.
We'll have more information on this shortly but if you have any questions in the meantime, please speak to your manager or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Brexit update - October 2018
The Home Office has been working to develop a new scheme which allows resident EU citizens and their family members to obtain the UK immigration status they will need in order to remain here permanently.
The EU Settlement Scheme will be fully open by 30 March next year. EU citizens and their family members will have until 30 June 2021 to apply, in line with the draft Withdrawal Agreement.
Testing is already underway. Since August, EU citizens working for a small number of NHS trusts and universities in the north west of England, and students at those universities, have been able to apply for status under the scheme.
A new phase of testing will begin next month. It will involve many more organisations across the UK, including higher education institutions and organisations in the wider health and social care sector. Testing the system with real applicants helps the Home Office ensure the new system operates effectively when it opens fully.
You do not need to do anything for now. EU citizens eligible to apply in the latest test phase will receive information from their employer.
Past events
Our networks
Armed Forces Support Group Diverse Ethnicity Network European Network International Doctors’ Initiative Pro Ability Network UHD Pride Network The Women's Network
