Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

We recognise the right of all patients, visitors and employees to be treated fairly and considerately, irrespective of age, gender, marital status, religious belief, ethnic background, nationality, sexual orientation, disability or social status. We will not condone homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, sexist or racist behaviour or discrimination on the basis of disability towards our staff, patients or visitors. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment by striving to build a workforce which is valued and whose diversity reflects the communities it serves. We believe that this commitment will lead to improved services for our patients and greater equality in opportunities for our staff. 

Our staff networks meet bi-monthly and offer advice and support to staff. The networks also help to shape and contribute towards the Trust’s equality and diversity agendas. 

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network
• Carer’s Staff Network
• Disability or Long Term Health Condition Staff Network
• Faith Staff Network
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) Staff Network
• Men’s Staff network
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Staff Network
• Neurodiversity Staff Network
• Women’s Staff Network

Network meetings are open to all staff and we actively encourage allies to join (allies are staff who believe everyone should experience full equality in the workplace). Our network objectives are to:

• provide a safe and confidential space for staff to discuss what is important to them
• work with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust to make positive change
• reduce stigma and raise awareness

We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this. Our commitment to our 22,000 staff is to create the best place for them to work. We are dedicated to:

• Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can
• Being a Stonewall Diversity Champion, aiming to achieve positive change for LGBT+ staff and patients
• Being a disability confident employer and in line with the disability confident scheme guarantee an interview for all applicants who share their disability and  meet the essential criteria
• Making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process for those with a physical or hidden disabilities, including those who are neuro-diverse
• Working with marginalised groups, to increase representation and inclusive practice throughout the Trust
• Offering our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, access to mentors and peer support groups to support their personal and career development objectives