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 NHS 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 fulfil 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.
On the first of October 2012, the third phase of the Equality Act came into force. The above general duty now applies to Age with regard to the provision of goods, functions and services. 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.
The Trust is currently drafting a revised Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and aims to publish this following consultation during April 2023.
Click here for the Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2021
Click here for the EDS2 2022/23
Click here for the Gender Pay Gap Report 2022
Click here for the Workforce Race Equality Scheme (WRES) including Staff Survey Data 2021
Click here for the Workforce Disability Equality Scheme (WDES) including Staff Survey Data 2021
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
Sophie Hunter, Equality & Diversity Manager, Human Resources Department. Tel - 01244 363005 or email sophiehunter@nhs.net