Disability History Month – South East Initiatives

In over 1.3 million NHS workers, only about four per cent declare their disability status on the Electronic Staff Record (ESR), but a twenty-one per cent data gap is filled by the ‘unknown’ and ‘not disclosed’ categories (NHS Digital, 2021).

You play a crucial role in cultural development of an organisation by creating an inclusive and diverse working environment that encourages visibility, respect and equity for staff with disabilities.

The networks also provide a safe space for staff to find connections with each other, share experiences, and promote ways to raise and discuss concerns. However, organisational pressures, scarcity of resources, and a lack of dedicated time for network activities often become the barriers to the networks’ growth, and/or barriers to meaningful engagement from staff 

In February 2021 we launched The Disability Network Chairs Development Programme (DNCDP) which was funded by NHS England and NHS Improvement’s Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES).

Giving and Receiving Feedback Session

If used thoughtfully and with intent, feedback and coaching will promote learning and growth as well as personal and professional development. Feedback plays a major role in building self-awareness in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude.

Strategy Session

A session focussed on developing network chairs’ confidence levels about influencing or developing a strategy, forming strategic relationships and understanding strategy within the landscape they work.

WDES Network Chairs Report – intervention one

The Disability Network Chairs Development Programme seeks to develop the disability network leads’ confidence and skills in having a greater impact on representing the voice of NHS staff with disabilities in their respective organisations
and systems.

WDES Network Chairs Thematic Analysis

Summary of Themes in Relation to the NHS and the Health and Wellbeing Needs of Staff with Disabilities

• Support
• Managers
• Culture
• Training
• Reasonable Adjustments