NHS South of England

Equality and Diversity Statement – publication of evidence to determine equality objectives 2012/13

Foreword by the Chief Executive

NHS South of England officially came into being on Monday 3 October 2011, joining three Strategic Health Authorities, NHS South Central, NHS South East Coast and NHS South West as a single cluster.

The 10 Strategic Health Authorities in England are forming four clusters for a transitional period.  This will ensure that the organisations can continue to improve performance and deliver the NHS reforms.  From 31 March 2013, the Strategic Health Authorities will be succeeded by a new NHS Commissioning Board, working with local Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Sir Ian Carruthers OBE: “This is an exciting phase for the NHS. The number one priority is to keep the focus on improving the quality of care and NHS services for the benefit of the 13.4 million people in the South of England, which covers a geographical area from Cornwall in the west, to Kent in the east and north to Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.  NHS South of England is committed to tackling discrimination of any kind, promoting equality and diversity, protecting and promoting human rights.  These principles are at the very heart of the NHS, underpinning the NHS constitution and every single person who works in the NHS has a role to play in achieving them.

Recognising diversity means understanding how people’s differences and similarities can be mobilised for the benefit of the individual, the organisation and society as a whole.  Different groups of people offer different viewpoints, cultural knowledge and skills that can improve the NHS’ ability to deliver services that meet people’s needs.  Workforce and delivery excellence can only be achieved and sustained by ensuring that we recruit and develop thevery best people for every job, regardless of their background or the protected characteristics they have.”

Chief Executive – Sir Ian Carruthers OBE

For the full statement download: Equality and Diversity Statement

For our Single Equality Scheme download: http://www.southcentral.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Single-Equality-Scheme.pdf

Equality evidence to comply with the Equality Act 2010 can be accessed using: www.southcentral.nhs.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/equality-evidence

For further information contact:

Anjum Gray
Equality and Diversity Manager
Mobile: 07825 448 317
Email: anjum.gray@southcentral.nhs.uk