What’s the NHS Trust Doing to Support Staff This Disability History Month?

The NHS Trust is marking UK Disability History Month from 14th November to 20th December, using the period to reflect on the experiences of people living with a disability or long-term condition and to focus on building a more inclusive workplace.

Understanding the Numbers

According to the Trust, 11 percent of its staff have a long-term condition or disability. Across the NHS, 1 in 4 staff have lived experience of disability or a long-term condition. Globally, 1 in 6 people live with a disability, which is around 1.3 billion people or 16 percent of the population.

Creating Support for Staff

The Trust says it wants to create a fully inclusive workplace and is using UK Disability History Month as a moment to acknowledge the experiences of staff living with a disability or long-term condition.

Annie Kenton, the Trust’s equity, diversity and inclusion engagement coordinator, shared insights from the latest Workforce Disability Equality Standards report:

“78.2% of our staff who live with a disability or long-term condition report that they receive reasonable adjustments to help them do their job. This is a rise of just over 4% from last year.”

The reasonable adjustments reported include specialist furniture, keyboard and mouse support, moving workstations for better accessibility, flexible hours or shift changes, remote or hybrid working, and adjusted deadlines or targets where illness or treatment affects daily activity.

Annie also highlighted that some disabilities are non-visible, or a mix of visible and non-visible, and can be temporary, situational or permanent. She added:

“This progress is partly due to our regular health and wellbeing talks between staff and managers. We are invested in training to make sure our managers understand how to be inclusive leaders.”

The Trust has seen reductions in bullying and harassment from patients, families and managers, though there has been a rise in reports of discrimination from colleagues. Annie said:

“Some staff may not understand that equity is not about treating everyone the same. It is about giving people what they need to have equal access and opportunity. When someone receives a reasonable adjustment, it is not a ‘special treatment.’ It is ensuring fairness.”

Why It Matters

The NHS Trust says Disability History Month is a reminder that inclusion goes beyond policy and is about valuing the contributions and lived experiences of staff who live with a disability or long-term condition. In a time when the NHS needs to attract and retain staff, the Trust says creating an inclusive environment is key.

Wear It Purple on 3rd December

Staff are being encouraged to wear purple on 3rd December to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The day is recognised globally to show support for people living with a disability.

Supporting 5,000 Staff

Adie Perry, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer, is the executive lead for the Long-Term Conditions and Disabilities Staff Network. Adie said:

“Making sure we are inclusive is about more than Disability History Month. It is more than a policy. It is about us asking how we ensure we are getting the best out of everyone who works within the Trust.

“We have close to 5,000 people who work for the Trust. If 1 in 10 people identify as having a disability or long-term condition, that is at least 500 people.

“If we get the quality right and get staff engaged, we get the best out of people because they can bring their best selves to work. If we can make things as easy as possible for people to come into work and to be their best selves, we provide far better care and quality of care.”