Improving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the NHS.

Transforming healthcare through encouraging inclusion, celebrating diversity and tackling discrimination.

The NHS EDI improvement plan is a shared approach to tackling prejudice and discrimination within the NHS. It addresses issues in behaviour, policies, practices, and culture. The plan was co-produced with input from staff networks and senior leaders, the plan emphasizes the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) for a caring, efficient, and safe healthcare environment.

The NHS's EDI improvement plan outlines strategic and collaborative action to foster a more inclusive healthcare environment, recognising the critical role diversity plays in achieving organisational success and improving patient care. Summary points of the plan are as follows:

• The plan highlights the significance of EDI as a foundation for creating a caring, efficient, productive, and safe NHS, outlining actions required for change.
• The plan aligns with the Messenger Review, responding to recommendation two and reaffirming the need for targeted actions.
• Supporting the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, the EDI improvement plan aims to enhance workplace culture and attract diverse talent to boost staff retention.
• The plan aims to address discrimination, increase leadership accountability for inclusive practices, support the levelling up agenda, and promote equitable opportunities for progression.
• The plan emphasizes the positive impact of diversity, inclusion, and staff engagement on innovation, productivity, and patient care.
• The plan prioritises six high impact actions to address discrimination and bias, with a focus on creating a more inclusive and diverse healthcare workforce.

Click on the link below to find out more about the six high impact actions, the interventions for protected characteristics and the support and responsibilities for implementation.

Read more about the NHS EDI improvement plan