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This section presents a range of actions and steps to implement them which acts as a starting point for NHS trusts looking to make meaningful EDI improvements. Approximate time frames are included to provide additional context, however timescales will depend on your specific circumstances. The capacity to meet all the action points in this toolkit is likely to depend on the number of employees you have within your organisation, the budget available for EDI, and any competing priorities.

This toolkit summary is targeted at NHS trusts including, but not limited to organisations such as NHS specific specialist practices, physiotherapists, dentists, minor injuries clinics or units, hospices, pharmacies, dispensaries, medical logistics, blood and live cell transports, and many more. The toolkit can be used as guidance, best practice, and case study examples of how best to introduce EDI strategies to your organisation. It also prioritises workforce wellbeing, with positive change that can also benefit the communities you serve.

Foundational: consider this action a priority and critical to success

Enhanced: this will help take your organisation’s EDI work to the next level

Action plan table for NHS Trusts
Action Steps to implementation Approximate timeframe required Foundational or Enhanced
Commitment and collaboration Embed EDI as a strategic priority 1 - 3 months Foundational
  Build upon your knowledge of EDI, and how it applies to healthcare Ongoing Foundational
  Continue to collect a wide range of data on the diversity of your workforce Annually Foundational
  Engage with other healthcare organisations and trade unions Consistently Enhanced
  Incorporate an EDI shadow board Quarterly Enhanced
Engagement and recruitment Build a plan or strategy to attract and recruit diverse talent Consistently Foundational
  Follow inclusive recruitment best practices Consistently Foundational
  Ensure all staff are paid at least the London Living Wage (LLW) Consistently Foundational
  Invest in Cultural Awareness training for all teams, particularly recruitment teams Annually Foundational
  Run an annual recruitment drive focusing on underrepresented groups Annually Enhanced
Retention and progression Organise regular check ins with employees Quarterly Foundational
  Review your progression processes to eliminate bias Quarterly Foundational
  Set up mentoring arrangements for employees from underrepresented groups Annually Enhanced
  Run a returners programme for people who have taken a career break Annually Enhanced
Building an inclusive culture Discuss EDI and upskill your organisation on current and emerging EDI best practice Quarterly Foundational
  Discuss EDI and upskill your organisation on current issues in EDI Annually Foundational
  Ensure your employees have access to (internal or external) HR Consistently Foundational
  Ensure your team and social events are inclusive Consistently Foundational
  Create a policy that addresses the inclusion of agency staff 1 month Foundational
  Support your employees to set up an Employee Resource Group (ERG)  Quarterly Enhanced
Suppliers Encourage local minority-owned organisations to apply to be accredited NHS suppliers Consistently Foundational
  Encourage existing suppliers to improve diversity in their organisations Consistently Enhanced

 

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