Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion
The Equalities Team at The Dudley Group strive to create a workplace where everyone feels welcome and accepted and continually work to influence, educate and celebrate diversity within our workforce.
Our
Vision
We are committed to being a more inclusive organisation, ensuring equal opportunity and celebrating diversity. Encouraging and supporting the workforce we employ to reach their potential. This will support our ultimate goal to be a brilliant place to work and thrive.
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is enshrined in our vision and through our values of care, respect and responsibility that underpin the day to day activities and diverse communities of the Trust.
This Trust is really understanding. I can’t thank them enough. They have really supported me. I have been Healthcare Hero. Â
Hayley
Senior Mental Health Practitioner
Staff
Networks
The Trust has developed a set of dynamic Staff Networks to support us on our journey to becoming a fully Inclusive organisation, where people matter most and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is the ‘Golden Thread’.Â
Our Networks provide a forum for staff to come together, to share ideas, raise awareness of challenges and provide support to each other. They are also a source for the Trust to consult on key workforce priorities of which they help shape and feed in to. They support the Trust to promote equal opportunities, respect and acknowledge the diversity of staff who work for us, the patients and their families we care for and other stakeholders that are part of the wider community we work in.
Anyone can join any of our Staff Networks at any point in their employment journey as an ally or as someone who identifies with a protected characteristic the Network represents. The Networks each have a set of priorities they work on each with the support of the Trust, they also raise awareness celebrating key inclusion calendar events.
Below are the Networks we currently have in the Trust.Â
The embRACE Staff Network
This network provides ethnically diverse staff with a voice through empowerment and support.
Represent the interests of our ethnically diverse staff within The Dudley Group.
Work with senior management to build an organisation where equity and equality of opportunities exists for all.
If you would like to join the EmbRACE Staff Network, or simply want more information, please email – dgft.embracenetwork@nhs.net
The Disability Staff Network
Give employees with a disability or long-term condition a voice through empowerment and support, and a means of raising collective issues in relation to their employment.
Represent the interests of employees with a disability or long-term condition within The Dudley Group.
Work with senior management and all employees regardless of banding or role to build an organisation where equity and equality of opportunities exist for all.
If you would like to join the Disability Staff Network, or simply want more information, please email: dgft.disabilitynetwork@nhs.net.
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The LGBTQ+ Staff Network
Give LGBTQ+ employees a voice through empowerment, support and a means of raising collective issues in relation to their employment.
Represent the interests of LGBTQ+ employees within the Trust.
Work with senior management and all employees regardless of banding or role to build an organisation where equity and equality of opportunities exist for all.
If you would like to join the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, or simply want more information, please email: dgft.lgbtnetwork@nhs.net
The Women's
Network
Provide staff who identify as women with a voice through empowerment and support and a means of raising collective issues in relation to their employment.
Represent the interests of women within The Dudley Group.
Work with senior management to build an organisation where equity and equality of opportunities exists for all.
If you would like to join the Women’s Staff Network, or simply want more information, please email: dgft.womensnetwork@nhs.net.
This Is Who I Am
Videos
Natasha
Natasha was diagnosed with a rare incurable disease after having joined the Trust as a nurse. She speaks about how she has had to come to terms with her situation, as well as her contribution to empowering new members of staff in her adapted role within the professional development team.
Hayley
Hayley is a senior mental health practitioner. She has cerebral palsy and rheumatoid arthritis. She speaks about how supportive the Disability Staff Network has been in enabling her to continue with her job, and how open communication with managers and supervisors is important to ensure that others get the support they need.
Karen
Karen is Chair of the Disability Staff Network, and her disability is type three intestinal failure following complications of surgery. Karen thought her working career was over following her diagnosis. But she has continued to practice as a nurse with the adjustments to enable her to continue her job.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Team
Paul Singh​
Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion​
Becky Cooke
Workforce Inclusion and Culture Lead
Laura Cowley
Network Coordinator
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LINKS TO USEFUL RESOURCES
Further information and resources about speech and language therapy
Below are some useful website links.
