Diversity and inclusion

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. 

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. 

How do we do this?

Our vision for 2020 - 2025 is to be 'committed to inclusion in everything we do'.

In our Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2020 - 2025, developed in partnership with The National Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) team, the Diversity & Inclusion Task & Finish Group and members of the Trust Diversity and Inclusion Group, we set out our plans for delivering this vision.

We will focus on four themes that we consider will have the greatest impact:

• accountability and assurance
• leadership and cultural transformation
• monitoring progress and benchmarking
• positive action and practical support.

The Trust's Equality, Diversity & Human Rights Policy sets out our commitment to the diversity and inclusion agenda and associated legislation. The Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Group supports delivery of this agenda. Above all, though, every member of staff, whatever their position, has a personal responsibility to contribute to a culture of inclusion which values everyone as a unique individual.