Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality and Inclusion | Equality Reporting | Patient Equality and Inclusion | Staff Equality and Inclusion


What equality, diversity and inclusion means in Bridgewater

In 2020 the Trust updated its Strategic Objectives including for the first time a specific objective for equality, diversity and inclusion:

‘To actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion by creating the conditions that enable compassion and inclusivity to thrive.’

We recognise the vital connection between staff and patient experience, and between equality, diversity and inclusion and positive experience. So we are working hard to build and sustain a culture of equity and inclusion, a culture free from discrimination and harassment where diversity is recognised and valued, and where everyone, staff or patient, is able to thrive and reach their full potential.

We believe that the human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy should be met in everything we do, and we assess our policies, strategies and processes to ensure they do not adversely affect either equality or human rights.

Our commitments are made to our communities and staff, this includes those people from the nine protected characteristics, and those considered vulnerable or excluded, for example the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, carers, and those in our prison populations.

You will find on our web pages information on:

  • Our equality reports – Workforce Race Equality Standard, including WRES: A Model Employer, Gender Pay Gap, Public Sector Equality Duty Annual report, Equality Objectives and EDS2
  • Patient equality and inclusion – support for our patients, including language interpretation and accessible communication support during Covid
  • Workforce equality and inclusion – Race Equality and Anti-Racism, Disability Confident, Staff Networks, and Menopause Friendly

As at August 2022 we are in the process of refreshing our equality analysis templates and processes. Information and updated documents will appear shortly on our Equality Reporting page.

Contact Us

If you require any further information on equality, diversity and inclusion in Bridgewater, or information from these equality pages in other languages or formats, then please contact me at ruth.besford@nhs.net or contact me at 07919898475 (mobile number).

Ruth Besford – Equality & Inclusion Manager