Morecambe Bay hospital trust recognised for creating inclusive workplace for disabled people

This recognition reflects UHMBT’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are supported to develop their careers and reach their full potential.

Strengthening the diversity of its workforce is a key commitment for UHMBT as it works towards becoming an effortlessly inclusive organisation.

UHMBT knows from last year's NHS Staff Survey that some disabled colleagues have not consistently felt valued or fully supported at the Trust.

This standard represents a renewed commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive experience from the very start of a colleague’s journey with the Trust.

UHMBT is continuing to take action to improve access to reasonable adjustments, remove barriers where they exist and ensure that disabled colleagues feel supported, valued and able to thrive.

Nationally, the Disability Confident scheme encourages employers to improve how they recruit, retain, nurture and support disabled people while demonstrating leadership in disability inclusion. Disability Confident Leader organisations are employers that champion disability inclusion and help drive positive change across their sectors.

The reaccreditation follows an independent validation process that assessed UHMBT’s approach to disability inclusion, support, leadership and workforce reporting.

As a Disability Confident Leader, UHMBT will continue to share good practice and promote opportunities for disabled people in the workplace.

The achievement builds on UHMBT’s ongoing work to foster a culture where colleagues feel valued and able to contribute their skills and experience.

The Disability Staff Network (DSN) and Inclusion Team work closely together to ensure that colleagues’ ideas and concerns are acted on for the benefit of all.

The DSN plays an important role in advising on disability-related issues and has a direct route through the Trust’s governance structures to escalate matters to Board level when needed.

It has also worked closely with the Estates and Facilities team to provide advice on accessibility and inclusion.

The Inclusion and Engagement Team provides advice and support and gathers the relevant information and statistics to show how the Trust is doing, and the DSN supports this work from a colleague perspective.

Lee Jenkinson, Culture and Inclusion Practitioner for UHMBT, said: “Achieving Disability Confident Leader status is a fantastic achievement for our Trust because it recognises the work that we have undertaken to create an environment where disabled colleagues are supported and able to fulfil their potential.

“NHS organisations are at their best when people from different backgrounds and experiences are able to contribute fully - this recognition reflects that commitment.

"For colleagues at our Trust, the award is an assurance that barriers will be challenged, that reasonable adjustments will be taken seriously that there will be routes for career progression and that opportunities for development are open to everyone.

“The rights of disabled people are fundamental. Everyone should have equal access to employment and a workplace that respects their dignity and individuality. As a Disability Confident Leader, we have a responsibility not only to maintain high standards within our own organisation, but also to encourage wider progress across our communities and the NHS.”

Rebekah Coombes, Interim Chief People Officer for UHMBT, said: “As executive team sponsor for the DSN, I am pleased to be able to work closely with Chris, our DSN Chair and together we are both absolutely committed to improving the experience for our disabled and neuro-diverse colleagues.

“Achieving Disability Confident Leader status demonstrates our commitment to being an inclusive employer and a place where all colleagues can succeed. It is the highest level of the Disability Confident scheme and acknowledges that we are leading the way and promoting best practice as employers.

“We are fully committed to recruiting, training and nurturing skilled, experienced, highly professional and talented disabled and neuro-diverse people.

"We recognise that we need to focus on this following last year's NHS Staff Survey which has helped us to identify areas where we need to improve.

"We know that we have improved access to reasonable adjustments steadily over recent years, but we need to ensure that we are considering the whole recruitment and employment experience to ensure we are removing barriers and creating equity for all.

“By continuing to improve accessibility and removing unnecessary barriers, we can create a better experience for our colleagues.

“In turn, that strengthens our Trust by helping us attract and develop talented people whose skills and perspectives enhance the care we provide for our patients and communities.

“This achievement has only been possible thanks to colleagues throughout our Trust; our Recruitment and Careers teams, People Services, Learning and Organisational Development and Occupational Health teams, as well as individual line managers who practice inclusive management and I am very grateful for their commitment and passion.”