Equality Objectives 2012-16

The Trust is required by law to publish 4 year equality objectives on its website by 6th April 2012. This page outlines proposed objectives produced following an extensive engagement process with staff and stakeholders involved in our Equality Delivery System (EDS) Grading Process and Objective Setting Workshops. The full report, includes the grading outcomes and equality objectives. The EDS is an NHS Framework aimed at improving equality performance and embedding equality into mainstream business.

The aims of the Public Sector Equality Duty are listed in Section 49 (1) of the Equality Act 2010 as follows:

Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimization and other conduct prohibited under the Act;
Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it;
Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.

Information demonstrating compliance with the duty was published on the Trust’s website on 31st January 2012 as required by the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011. This information can be found on the Equality and Diversity pages of our website

The Trust has five equality objectives to be achieved within four years. Each will be supported by a one-year specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (SMART) action plan, and the objective and action plan will be reviewed and refreshed annually by the Trust in conjunction with our community of interest. The community of interest will help us develop action plans for Year Two based on analysis of achievements in Year One, and so on. We will publish progress reports annually.

South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust equality objectives

Overarching objective:

The Trust’s overarching objective will enable us to achieve the objectives below. To provide the best possible patient care, we know it is essential to understand the needs of the communities we serve and ensure they are involved in developing services that meet those needs. We also know the importance of staff wellbeing, and the value of involving staff in service improvement. We will implement an “Inclusion Strategy” which will set up a simple structure to ensure appropriate engagement and involvement with patients, staff and other stakeholders informs our work.

Objective 1:

Recognising the current changes in our commissioning environment and across the health economy, the Trust will collate and analyse the latest available data about the healthcare needs of our population and priorities in the South East Coast area to ensure that our plans impact positively upon identified health inequalities.

Objective 2:

To provide equitable access to care and treatment and to ensure we develop relevant alternative care pathways and tailor existing care, The Trust will establish a minimum set of equality data.

Objective 3:

The Trust develops a statement, for and in consultation with our staff, which confirms and clarifies our commitment to equal opportunities, valuing diversity and embracing dignity and respect for all our staff.

Objective 4:

The Board has oversight and ownership of the Equality Objectives, and are assured of their own competence in managing equality and diversity across the Trust. Leaders at all levels throughout the Trust play their part in delivering our commitment to equal opportunities, valuing diversity and embracing dignity and respect for all.