Traditional assumptions and outdated ways of working were challenged at a special event at a local hospital group.
University Hospitals Tees’ first equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing conference saw staff from both North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust come together to learn and make real changes to how each trust has traditionally carried out their duties.
Reflecting the population
Rachael Metcalf, chief people officer for University Hospitals Tees, said: “It’s vital that our workforce reflects the population we serve in order to create an environment where every colleague feels empowered and supported as an essential member of our team.
“Having a truly equal, diverse and inclusive workforce will help us to improve the experience of our patients.
“We know we have a way to go and that’s why this conference was so important. We need to have honest, open discussion about how we work and how we can make things more open for all.”
Personal journies
The conference, which took place at the STRIVE Academic Centre at The James Cook University Hospital, covered subjects including:
- Drawing on expert thinking and established practice to create an opportunity to reflect and learn about equality, diversity and inclusion in the workforce
- Hearing from marginalised voices to share their lived experiences and the impact of their personal journey
- Challenging and the traditional way of working that may limit the potential of colleagues to develop and grow
- Sharing ideas and insights
- Inspiring colleagues to consider and generate inclusive opportunities for all
With guest speakers including Jennie Winnard, deputy director of leadership, improvement and culture, Ajit Abraham, group director of inclusion and equity, Barts Health NHS Trust and Lord Victor Adebowale CBE, Chair, NHS Confederation, the conference generated lively debate and discussion on a range of issues including unconscious bias, health inequalities, creating a fair organisation and improving the work place culture.
Ambition
Rachael commented: “We are looking closely at the feedback from everyone who attended, as well as from colleagues who weren’t they by using the staff survey responses to establish the areas we need to focus on.
“Our ambition is to make equality, diversity, inclusion part of everyday business and everyone’s responsibility.”