University hosts NHS EDI conference

Improvements in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the NHS across Yorkshire and the North East were on the agenda at a conference hosted by the University of Huddersfield.

The event, run in partnership with NHS England North East and Yorkshire Nursing Directorate, welcomed over 50 NHS leaders and NHS EDI Special Advisory Group (SAG) members to the Emily Siddon Building on the National Health Innovation Campus.

The event was held to support joint working across academia and the NHS, to address the challenging issue of health inequalities in the NHS workplace. 

The university’s hosting of the event derives from its track record of research into the UK’s need to attract, retain and improve the experiences for NHS nurses from overseas. The research element of the event was led by Joanne Garside, Professor of Nursing and Affiliate researcher for the University with Dr Charlene Pressley and Dr Precious Adade Duodu.

In a series of presentations by guest speakers followed by round table discussions, the need to tackle inequalities including racism to improve the workplace experience for staff with resulting benefits for patient safety was the topic of the day.

Throughout the event, data was captured which will be analysed by the research team and collated into a report and recommendations for a regional EDI improvement plan. 

Professor Garside commented, “It was my privilege to play a part in this event. We heard some amazing speakers, including Dr Duodu, International Lead in our Department of Nursing. Alongside this, the delegates demonstrated a clear passion and commitment to take this challenging agenda forward within their organisations.”

Issues discussed included,

• exploring how anti-racist approaches contribute to improved patient safety and outcomes, drawing on international evidence
• open, constructive and challenging discussions about organisational and regional priorities
• identifying practical, evidence-based actions to support local and system-wide improvement
• contributing to shaping EDA-informed patient safety implementation plans, aligned with national policy and Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) expectations

Victoria Bagshaw, Deputy Director Workforce and Education, NHS England – North East and Yorkshire, added, "I was absolutely delighted to be part of this inspiring day. There were some important discussions which brought key stakeholders together to collectively challenge how we become more inclusive through our leadership and organisations, so that all our workforce, irrespective of place, profession or role feels empowered, able to fully contribute as their authentic self and able to thrive and progress.”