We believe that Equality and Diversity (E&D) is central and is significant to what we do.
Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. The Trust recognises the right of all patients, visitors and employees to be treated fairly and considerably in access to service and employment, irrespective of age, gender, marital status, religious belief, ethnic background, nationality, sexual orientation, disability and social status.
This commitment has been demonstrated by the Head for Equality and Diversity (Pamela Chandler) who has taken a lead role on the E&D agenda at a strategic level. The Equality & Diversity is working collaboratively along with a number of Departments at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.
Our attitude determines the way that we view and relate to others we meet and work with. A working definition might be 'Diversity is the word used to describe the relative uniqueness of each individual'.
Our uniqueness includes our skills, interests, experience, values and ambitions. Each of us is rich with possibilities. The Equality and Diversity department seeks to encourage all of us to value the possibilities in each other and explore the opportunities that difference brings.
In October 2008, we have celebrated the first ever “Festival of Cultures & 60th Anniversary of NHS” events across the Trust sites to bring staff, patients, visitors and the local communities together in order to celebrate the Black History Month and also the 60th Anniversary of NHS. The link below will give you a greater in dept of the events carried out across the Trust sites.
Festival of Cultures & 60th Anniversary of NHS
The Equality & Diversity Department also manages a wonderful Multi-faith Centre and the Interpreting services.
E&D provides a number of different interactive training courses in-house for staff, in order to meet the national legal requirements and also boost the knowledge and skills within the within the elements of Human Rights (Age, Race, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Language, Disability & Gender). To find out more about these courses contact the E&D Administration Manager, Jane Turvey, on 0121 424 1330 or via jane.turvey@heartofengland.nhs.uk
The Equality & Diversity Department have established a network:- Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Diversity Staff Network (HDSN), in which staff can become a member share their experiences, knowledge and skills on a wide range of work related issues.
Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust aims and objectives are:-
"Our attitude determines the way that we view and relate to others we meet and work with. A working definition might be 'Diversity is the word used to describe the relative uniqueness of each individual'.
Our uniqueness includes our skills, interests, experience, values and ambitions. Each of us is rich with possibilities. The Equality and Diversity department seeks to encourage all of us to value the possibilities in each other and explore the opportunities that difference brings." Mark Goldman - Chief Executive
For any further information regarding Equality & Diversity at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, please contact Jane Turvey (Equality & Diversity Administration Manager) on 0121 424 1330 or email: jane.turvey@heartofengland.nhs.uk
BBC Interfaith Calendar