Our equality objectives and useful links

Priority Equality Objectives

Following various engagement activities, feedback from stakeholders and informed involvement with NHS Equality Delivery System developments, the following have been identified as priority equality objectives for East Midlands Ambulance Service to meet the 6^th April Equality Act deadline.

1. Review workforce data collection systems to ensure all equality “protected characteristics”

are covered in a systematic and regular process and that the data is monitored and

analysed to provide a timely and effective response to issues/gaps identified.

2. Embed requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and NHS Equality Delivery System into the

Trust Community Engagement Strategy to ensure required standards of targeted involvement

are maintained.

3. Establish an Equality Delivery Assurance Framework and Equality Delivery Action Plan to

deliver equality objectives (that are established and informed by stakeholder engagement)

and ensure continuing improvement in equality performance.

4. Maintain and enhance the Trust EDS Group to further the aims of the EDS, identify barriers

and initiate effective responses.

5. Develop case studies for each of the “protected characteristics” in relation to EDS Goals and

Outcomes to inform service design and planning.

Whilst the above provide a guiding framework and focus for equalities, the Trust will maintain a dynamic approach to ensure it is responsive to issues as and when they are identified. We very much welcome your feedback and views in relation to these objectives and welcome your involvement in delivering positive outcomes as a result of these actions.

To ensure we provide quality services that are easily accessible, fair and equal, we have set ourselves these objectives:

Equality Delivery Strategy (EDS):

Our Equality Scheme is currently being reviewed to take account of the Equality Act 2010 and NHS Equality Delivery System. It will be replaced by an Equality Delivery Strategy that takes account of priority areas identified through public involvement and will become more outcome focussed. It is vital therefore that communities, staff and patients continue to be actively involved in shaping service design and priorities.

Equality Delivery System Action Plan:

The first phase of our approach is to have an effective plan that embeds the Equality Delivery System within our organisation. This is the foundation work that helps us to identify our current status against the EDS standards, how progress will be made and monitored and includes essential involvement of stakeholders to determine our grading.

Enhanced stakeholders:

We will continue to identify and establish contact with specific groups and communities, especially those that are unable to use services or engage with us due to previous negative experience or barriers.

Targets to improve:

Our equalities work will be better informed and influenced by your feedback and involvement, so it is essential that we continue to work with you to set priorities that make a difference.

General Access Audit:

We shall work to secure support from specialist organisations to identify potential or actual barriers and take action to provide reasonable adjustments.

Better analysis / use of data:

We will continue to improve data collection and ensure that information is reviewed/analysed regularly to identify gaps or areas where further improvement is needed.

Enhanced partnership:

Partnerships and collaboration allow for better use of resources and sharing of skills. They also avoid over duplication. We are very keen to work with partners who share our common purpose. We are working closely with our Trade Union representatives, staff, Regional Equality Diversity Partnership, Derbyshire Community Health Equality Panel, LINKs and various NHS partners.

Review / enhanced training and staff resources:

Equality and Diversity is embedded within our essential education programme and staff inductions. We also have in place a Diversity Inclusion Group with staff from across the organisation, Equality Delivery System Implementation Group and continue to support our Chaplaincy Group, Staff Network and specialist Bullying & Harassment Advisors.

The following useful links will help you better understand equality legislation and requirements of EMAS as an NHS Organisation.