Managing Diversity in the NHS
As the formation of the Equality and Diversity Council heralds a renewed emphasis on the importance of an inclusive and accessible health care provision; understanding - and embracing – diversity is a priority for NHS managers.
In order to effectively manage an increasingly diverse workforce and create an inclusive working culture that recognises and develops talent, managers need to develop their confidence in understanding and responding to the different needs of different employees.
A knowledge of the different practices, requirements and expectations of different people, as well as the legislative framework within which diversity and equality issues are contained, supports managers in:
- Communicating effectively with all employees;
- Identifying and addressing discrimination;
- Promoting and enabling diversity;
- Accessing and developing the talent of all employees
- Enhancing workforce cohesion; and,
- Creating an inclusive culture which ensures productivity.
Combining expertise in both leadership and management training, and diversity, Exemplas works within the Investors in People (IiP) and Investors in Diversity (IiD) frameworks to:
- Review current diversity practices;
- Develop diversity management strategies, in line with best practice;
- Train managers in diversity and equality awareness; and
- Build confidence around equality and diversity issues.