Equality Objectives
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has
identified its equality objectves for 2012. These have been
formulated via enagagement with groups, individuals and
organisations that represent all of the protected characteristics
defined under the Equality Act 2010. These objectives serve
as evidence of adherence to the single equality duty 2011 and the
requirements outlined in the specific duties, published in
September 2011.
Our equality objectives are:
• An improved insight into the make-up of the workforce
across the protected characteristics, to support engagement
and consultation capacity.
• Advance equality of opportunity for disabled
Volunteers
• Disabled and Black and Minority Ethnic communities can
access all services and be provided with information in an
appropriate format
• Patient experience and satisfaction with
accessibility and service provision follow national guidance with
regard to all the protected characteristics
In line with the timeline of the specific duties, we will
publish an equality strategy to underpin these objectives by 6th of
April 2013. The equality objectives now replace our previous
single equality scheme (2009-2012), which expired on 31st of March
2012.
Background information
On 5th 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 general duty now covers all the protected
characteristics and replaces the previous duties for race,
disability and gender. This is an extended duty that includes
- race, disability, sex (gender), age, gender reassignment,
marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sexual
orientation and religion or belief.
There is no longer a public sector duty to formulate and publish
a single equality scheme. This is replaced by the development
of equality objectives which must ensure that all protected
characteristics are included. These objectives should come
from engagement with stakeholders and all relevant research and
evidence.
If you would like any more information or would like to see
the previous single equality scheme (2009-2012), please
contact Joe O'Grady, Equality & Diversity Manager. Human
Resources Department - 01244 364283 or email joe.o'grady@nhs.net