Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to eliminating discrimination and promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. The service we provide is fair, accessible and appropriate for our patients, their carers and our visitors.

We recognise that, as a prominent employer and service provider in west Essex and Hertfordshire, we have an important role to play in our wider community. We draw on our diverse staff, their backgrounds and their varied life experiences to help us build and sustain an inclusive environment to work and receive care.

What do we mean by equality?

The Equality Act 2010 states that NHS organisations have a 'general equality duty' to promote equality. They must:

Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act
Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not share it
Foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not share it
The general equality duty covers the following protected characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race - this includes ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation