Velindre University NHS Trust know that people perform better when they feel they can be themselves. As a Trust we want to foster a culture of 'acceptance without exception'.
Investing in a diverse NHS workforce enables us as a Trust to deliver a more inclusive service and improve patient care.
Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Diversity is about recognising and valuing difference in its broadest sense. Inclusion is about an individual’s experience within the workplace and in wider society and the extent to which they feel valued and included.
As a public authority we have legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010 to promote equality with due regard to the protected characteristics of:
The Equality Act 2010 created a new general duty on the NHS, when carrying out their functions to have due regard to:
The Equality Act 2010 provides protection from “prohibited conduct” for groups of people with protected characteristics. Examples of prohibited conduct includes, direct discrimination (including combination discrimination), indirect discrimination, discrimination by association, discrimination by perception, harassment and victimisation.
The needs and circumstances for our patients, carers, communities and staff can be distinct and specific. In providing quality services and workforce environments that are appropriate and effective for all, we can prioritise and promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
We are committed to providing services and employment to a community with an increasing variety of backgrounds. To do this effectively it is essential that we promote equality and embrace diversity and treat all of our service users, staff and carers with dignity and respect.
Patients & Donors
Patients, donors and their families have the right to be treated fairly and be routinely involved in decisions about their treatment and care. They can expect to be treated with dignity and respect and will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Patients have a responsibility to treat other patients and our staff with dignity and respect.
Staff
Staff have the right to be treated fairly in recruitment and career progression. Staff can expect to work in an environment where diversity is valued and equality of opportunity is promoted. Staff will not be discriminated against on any grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Staff have a responsibility to ensure that you treat our patients and their colleagues with dignity and respect.
The Trust has a duty to take action against employees, patients or the public who act against the laws on equality. Any discriminatory behaviour by staff will be treated as a disciplinary offence and subject to sanctions under the Disciplinary Policy. Members of the public or patients could be refused access to services or premises if they deliberately and knowingly disregard equality laws and policies.
As part of the equality agenda, we encourage staff members to use their Welsh language skills as part of their work when dealing with patients and service users. We also encourage staff to actively use Welsh in their daily work environment with other colleagues and with patients and the public. We promote a range of learning opportunities for those wishing to develop their Welsh language skills. The organisation is also mainstreaming the Welsh language into its recruitment practices across all areas.
If you would like to contact us regarding any area of the Trust this can be done via various methods. Please contact the Trust:
Email: VUNHST.EqualityAndDiversity@wales.nhs.uk
Tel no: 029 20615888 ext:6557
Address: Velindre Trust HQ
2 Charnwood Court
Parc Nantgarw
Cardiff
CF15 7QZ