Equality, diversity and inclusion
Our staff networks remained an integral aspect of developing an inclusive culture at EEAST. In 2022, we saw each of our five networks go from strength to strength, with more colleagues joining the networks and awareness events being organised throughout the year.
EEAST held celebratory events for International Women’s Day and attended multiple pride events and parades in 2022.
The networks also delivered an impressive and comprehensive action list, which included the creation of new flagship policies such as our transgender support policy, conducting estate audits on our prayer/quiet spaces across our region and building a maternity toolkit for colleagues returning to work.
EEAST expanded our cultural ambassador pool within the workforce. Cultural ambassadors are a critical resource that promote equality through formal procedures such as recruitment and selection panels, or disciplinary related processes.
It remains a key ambition of EEAST to continue to expand the number of cultural ambassadors in the Trust, as well as increase the numbers of meetings they attend.
We saw a new network form last year – the Men’s Wellbeing Network – which focuses on issues relating to men’s wellbeing in the workplace. The formation of this network was a positive sign of progress in relation to building an inclusive culture.
Our networks
All Women in EEAST (AWE)
Promotes and champions inclusion of all colleagues within EEAST, providing support and empowering women to achieve their full potential. AWE aims to encourage, enable and facilitate change within EEAST. AWE believes that by tackling gender inequality and discrimination, EEAST can be a better place to work and provide better patient care and experience to the communities we serve.
BME Network
Works to utilise the skills and resources of EEAST’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues and volunteers to add value to the organisation and make EEAST a great place to work.
Disability Support Network (DSN)
Acts as a supportive group, not only for our colleagues with disabilities whether visible or invisible, but for anyone who supports someone with a disability, be it a colleague, family member or friend.
Men's Wellbeing Network
Designed to promote equality within the workplace and offer support, with a focus on gender issues impacting men’s wellbeing at work. Offering a safe space for men and those who identify as men, to share experiences and talk about issues around their mental wellbeing.
Multi Faith Network
Works together to support colleagues of all beliefs and aims to raise awareness of different faiths throughout EEAST. The main aim is to promote and champion inclusivity within EEAST.
LGBT+ Network
Promotes and supports the needs of our LGBT+ colleagues, communities and service users. This network works to ensure that no matter who you are or how you identify, EEAST values you.