East Cheshire NHS Trust receives re-accreditation as a Disability Confident Leader

Following a comprehensive evidence review by the Cheshire Constabulary, East Cheshire NHS Trust is proud to confirm that it has received re-accreditation as a Disability Confident Leader.

The accreditation marks another important milestone in the trust’s continuing commitment to promoting equality, celebrating diversity and building an inclusive culture for staff and patients alike.

The trust has also been recognised as a site of ‘good practice’ for a number of initiatives which demonstrate the importance and significance of the inclusivity agenda, such as the installation of the Inclusion Wall and working with local schools to offer work placements to young adults with learning disabilities.

Rachael Charlton, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development at East Cheshire NHS Trust said, “Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy is a significant focus for the trust and we’re very pleased to have received this important re-accreditation.

“As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to ensuring that all disabled colleagues within our workforce have equal opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations, whilst also taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping partner organisations on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.

“Our patients and service users benefit from this accreditation as it provides evidence that our workforce understands the importance of individualised patient centred care; making reasonable adjustments where appropriate.  

“We also continue to develop disability equality awareness training alongside our broader education in respect of inclusion at work, making this accessible to all colleagues within the trust during staff inductions, eLearning, and as part of regular training days.”

Jana Hughes, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Advisor at Cheshire Constabulary said, “We are delighted to support East Cheshire NHS Trust’s reaccreditation as Disability Confident Leaders. Leader status is the highest level of the Disability Confident framework and defines the trust as being at the forefront of best practice.

“On behalf of Cheshire Constabulary, I would like to thank East Cheshire NHS Trust for approaching us to validate their Disability Confident Leader evidence. We are excited to continue our partnership and share best practice.”