Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Approved by: Chief Operating Officer and Registered Manager
Date of Approval: 03/12/2025
Review Date: 03/12/2026

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out Kingsford Medical Services commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We aim to provide a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for patients, staff, visitors and partners and ensure fair and equitable access to high quality healthcare services.

This policy supports compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and aligns with best practice across the wider health sector.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff (including contractors, bank and temporary workers), volunteers, patients, suppliers and anyone acting on behalf of Kingsford Medical Services.

It applies to all areas of activity including recruitment, employment, training, patient care, service delivery and engagement with stakeholders.

3. Policy Statement

Kingsford Medical Services is committed to:

• Treating all individuals with dignity, fairness and respect

• Ensuring no one is discriminated against on the basis of protected characteristics

• Providing equitable access to services for all patients

• Promoting inclusion and cultural awareness across the organisation

• Creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve

• Ensuring diversity is considered in organisational decision making

• Challenging discrimination, harassment or victimisation whenever it occurs

We believe that promoting equality and embracing diversity helps deliver better outcomes and improves patient and staff experience.

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy supports compliance with:

• Equality Act 2010

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Care Quality Commission Regulations

• NHS Accessible Information Standard

• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

• Employment legislation relating to fair and equal treatment

5. Protected Characteristics

Kingsford Medical Services does not tolerate discrimination based on:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage or civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

These protections apply to all patients and staff.

6. Responsibilities

Senior Leadership Team

Responsible for strategic oversight, compliance with legislation, ensuring policies are implemented and providing visible leadership on equality and inclusion.

Managers

Responsible for promoting inclusive practice, ensuring fair recruitment processes, supporting reasonable adjustments and addressing inappropriate behaviour.

Staff

All staff are expected to treat colleagues and patients fairly, follow this policy and contribute to an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Patients and Visitors

Expected to treat staff and other patients with respect. Unacceptable behaviour will be addressed under our behavioural and safety policies.

7. Inclusive Patient Care

Kingsford Medical Services will ensure that:

• Services are accessible to all patients, with reasonable adjustments made where required

• Information is provided in formats that meet communication needs

• Cultural, religious and personal needs are respected in care planning

• Interpreter services and communication support are available where needed

• Staff take an individualised, person-centred approach to care

We do not tolerate any discriminatory or abusive behaviour towards patients or staff.

8. Inclusive Employment and Workforce Practices

We are committed to fair and transparent employment practices including:

• Inclusive and unbiased recruitment processes

• Reasonable adjustments for staff with disabilities

• Equal access to development and training

• Fair and transparent disciplinary and grievance processes

• Monitoring workforce diversity to identify improvements

• Creating opportunities to support underrepresented groups

We aim to foster a workplace culture where everyone feels valued, safe and able to contribute.

9. Reasonable Adjustments

Kingsford Medical Services will make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers for disabled patients and staff. This may include:

• Accessible communication formats

• Adjustments to duties or working hours

• Adaptations to the physical environment

• Supportive equipment or technology

Requests will be considered promptly and sensitively.

10. Training and Awareness

All staff will receive training on:

• Equality and diversity principles

• Cultural awareness and inclusive behaviour

• Unconscious bias

• Meeting the Accessible Information Standard

• Supporting patients with protected characteristics

Training will form part of induction and ongoing development.

11. Raising Concerns

Concerns relating to discrimination, harassment or inequality can be raised through:

• Line managers

• HR or senior leadership

• The Whistleblowing Procedure

• Safeguarding leads where relevant

All concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and acted upon appropriately.

12. Monitoring and Review

Kingsford Medical Services will:

• Monitor workforce and patient demographic data where appropriate

• Review equality objectives annually

• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

• Routinely review this policy every year or earlier if required

Continuous improvement will be informed by patient feedback, staff surveys and service reviews.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or organisational requirements change.