Diversity
Valuing everyone
Bristol's population is hugely diverse and varied. To serve this
community properly, we understand and firmly believe that we must
prevent unlawful discrimination, offer equality of opportunity and
provide an inclusive environment for patients, carers, visitors and
staff.
What is diversity?
Diversity is valuing everyone as
a unique individual. It means recognising that some people
will need different treatment to achieve a fair outcome -
which is why we're committed to designing our services around the
needs of individual patients and those around them. It means
treating all our employees with decency, dignity and respect, with
no tolerance for harassment, bullying or discrimination. Our
document 'Valuing Diversity' sets out
the Trust's core principles in valuing diversity of both patients
and staff.
How does it affect patients?
We aim to provide services to all sections of the community,
regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, gender, age, sexual
orientation, physical or sensory impairment or social and cultural
background. We will respect human rights. We will publish
information about those services as widely as possible and work
with outside organisations to achieve these goals.
How does it affect staff?
We aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the
rich diversity of the local population at all levels, offering
recognition and support regardless of race, ethnicity, creed,
gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or sensory impairment or
social and cultural background. We also work with community groups
and organisations to spread awareness of careers within the
Trust.
How do we do this?
We have operational groups which work on specific areas -
race, religion, age, physical and sensory impairment, gender and
transsexuality and social inclusion. We also have forums for black
and ethnic minority staff and staff with physical or sensory
impairments. These have made real strides, ranging from practical
changes like changing signage to help the visually impaired and
creating online toolkits to support managers and staff. Above all,
though, every member of staff, whatever their position, has a
personal responsibility to contribute to a culture which values
everyone as a unique individual.
Information about our
statutory duties and the Single Equality Scheme
Equality Update February 2013 - equality news from
Bristol's health partners
