Equality, diversity and human rights
The Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust accepts that
to accommodate the needs of the diverse community it serves; it
must ensure a high level of awareness and understanding of
equality, diversity and human rights amongst its management and
staff. It aims to provide healthcare services that are equitable to
everyone, and are appropriate to everyone's needs regardless of
age, disability, race, ethnic or national origin, gender, religion,
belief, sexual orientation, domestic circumstances, social or
employment status or responsibilities as a carer.
The Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust is committed
to building a diverse workforce, which is a reflection of the
communities it serves. It aims to be an organisation that people
want to work for, and is seen as a leader in good employment
practice locally and nationally. The aim is for all staff to
realise their full potential, in an environment characterised by
dignity and mutual respect.
What are Equality, Diversity and Human Rights?
Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone has
an equal level of opportunity to participate and to fulfill their
potential as an individual member of society. In April 2010 the
Equality Act 2010 was passed. The first phase of its legislation
came into effect on the first of October 2010. On fifth of April
2011, the second phase of legislation under the Equality Act came
into force. With this has come the single equality duty and a
requirement that all public bodies meet the general duty to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
and other conduct prohibited by the Act
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a
protected characteristic and those who do not
- Foster good relations between people who share a protected
characteristic and those who do not.
The Equality Act unified and replaced previous pieces of
equality legislation and extended its range of powers. It also
defined further communities and individuals in society, who can be
afforded protection. These are known as the 'Protected
Characteristics' of the Equality Act 2010. They are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender Reassignment
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
- Pregnancy and Maternity
- Race
- Religion and Belief
- Sex (gender)
- Sexual Orientation
As a public body, we are committed to meeting our statutory
obligations under the single equality duty (2011). In line
with the specific duties under the Equality Act 2010, please see
below the Countess publications to identify how the Trust is
meeting the specific duties and paying due regard to the
general duty of the Equality Act 2010.
Please click for
the Equality Duty Assurance Report 2012
Please click for the
Workforce Equality Analysis Report 2011
To see further information including links to key documents,
resources and legislation relating to the equality Act, protected
characteristics and public sector equality duty, please click on
the links below.
Government
Equalities Office website
Equality and Human
Rights Commission website
Diversity is about recognising and valuing differences to be
found between individuals. Diversity results from differences
including age, gender, sexual orientation, racial or ethnic
background, physical or mental abilities, religion or belief,
social, domestic or employment circumstances or background. All of
these factors provide different experiences, perspectives and
knowledge, which in turn can be of value to other people or
organisations.
Human Rights relate to our humanity and reflect our desire for
respect, dignity and freedom from oppression and injustice. In 1998
the Human Rights Act was passed. There are further International
human rights conventions and charters to which the United Kingdom
has signed up.
If you require any information in an alternative language or
format, please contact the Trust on Freephone 0800 195 1241 and
select option 2 or phone 01244 366066. If necessary we can arrange
to talk to you through a telephone interpreter, Please state your
language and telephone number and we will call you back.
Your Comments, Suggestions and Further Information
The Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust welcomes your
views, comments and suggestions on the Equality and Diversity
section of its website. Please forward these, together with
requests for further information, to the E&D Manager shown
below.
Contact Details
Joe O'Grady, Equality & Diversity Manager, Human Resources
Department. Tel - 01244 364283 or email joe.o'grady@nhs.net