Growing our Great Community through Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Imagine the brilliance of a mind that can see patterns others miss, the dedication that fuels relentless focus, the empathy that provides a unique perspective in shaping patient care. Now, consider these strengths facing tough barriers – sensory overload in a busy ward, struggling with communication styles that feel misunderstood, or feeling out of place in a work environment that doesn’t quite fit.
Neurodivergent colleagues – those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions – bring these very strengths to the NHS and our commitment in return is clear:
to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all our neurodivergent staff members. To ensure our workforce is supported and valued, we aim to:
Appreciate the unique skills, strengths, and perspectives each individual brings to the organization.
Create accommodating and comfortable environments for individual needs whenever possible.
Foster an environment that promotes staff well-being.
Remove barriers to full participation for our neurodivergent staff.
This is a step towards unlocking their full potential, fostering a truly inclusive environment where everyone thrives. Ensuring neurodivergent colleagues feel supported at work not only promotes fairness it strengthens the incredible team we are.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the term that explains the natural variation in everyone’s brain including thinking processes, information processing, and learning approaches.
This definition highlights that each individual has their own neurodiversity – as all our brains are different. However, statistics suggest that over 15% of people in the UK, or roughly 1 in 7 individuals, are neurodivergent.
Dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, attention deficit disorders (ADHD), tourette syndrome, are some examples of the most widely recognised neurodivergent conditions.
Understanding neurodivergent colleagues or employee
Most neurodivergent conditions are experienced within a spectrum – meaning that the experience of each will differ between individuals and a person can also identify with more than one neurodivergent condition. However, can commonly include differences in cognitive functions including attention, executive function (task planning), sensory processing, learning, sociability, and mood. The impact and presentation of any or all of these traits can vary over time and can be impacted by multiple factors.
Neurodivergent conditions tend to be invisible, which can create barriers for individuals in accessing the support and accommodations that would help them thrive in the workplace and the wider society. As each individual’s experience varies, so too will the accommodations that may best meet their needs. Some examples of accommodations include providing clear communication strategies, offering sensory-friendly spaces, and providing the structure of activities ahead of time.
It is important to use inclusive language when discussing neurodiversity, and individuals’ personal choices on how they identify should always be respected. However, identity-first language is generally preferred among neurodivergent communities, such as saying ‘autistic people’ rather than ‘people with autism’.
Examples of Challenges Experienced by Neurodivergent Colleagues
Difficulties with social and communication skills, such as articulating ideas, making or maintaining eye contact, and engaging in social norms like office small talk.
Sensory overload triggered by factors such as overhead fluorescent lighting, competing noises, or uncomfortable temperatures.
Difficulty retaining information from large blocks of text.
Challenges with spelling, grammar, or mathematics.
Increased risk of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, often exacerbated by a lack of understanding, resistance to accommodations, and feelings of being unsupported or stigmatised in the workplace.
Examples of Strengths of Neurodivergent Colleagues
Creative and innovative thinking that enables them to recognize unique solutions across a wide variety of situations.
Specialised, detailed knowledge and skills within their areas of interest.
High levels of empathy and emotional intelligence.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to recognise patterns.
Clear and direct communication style.
Terminology and Key Terms
Definitions relating to neurodiversity can be contentious and lack uniformity, they are also undergoing continual evolution as our understanding of the subject widens.
The following organisations have created glossary’s of key terminology which individuals may find helpful:
How can managers support neurodivergent team members?
1. Embrace Open Communication and Individualised Support:
Initiate open conversations with neurodivergent staff in a private setting, focusing on their needs and preferences. The workplace adjustment passport can be helpful for these discussions.
Instead of assuming challenges or needs, ask how you can best support them.
Remember, neurodiversity is a spectrum. Each person’s needs will be unique, so tailor your approach accordingly.
The needs of neurodivergent individuals can change or fluctuate over time and can be impacted by other ongoing life events – regularly checking with neurodivergent staff is essential to ensure that adjustments are still suitable.
2. Prioritise Clear Communication and Flexibility:
Provide clear and concise instructions, both written and verbal, with opportunities for clarification.
Consider offering additional formats for information, like bullet points, flowcharts, or audio recordings.
Be open to flexible work arrangements, like noise-canceling headphones or adjusted deadlines, to help them excel.
3. Celebrate Strengths and Foster an Inclusive Environment:
Recognise and celebrate the unique strengths neurodivergent colleagues bring to the team.
Educate the team about neurodiversity and encourage open communication to build a more inclusive and understanding work environment.
Create an environment where they feel safe to disclose their support needs and reassured that privacy will always be respected.
Another important consideration to make when engaging with neurodivergent staff is the importance and validity of self-diagnoses. Many individuals, are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with other conditions throughout their childhood and early adulthood. This means that as an adult when they begin to suspect that they are neurodivergent either do not have access to medical support or diagnosis or chose not to pursue this.
Good Recruitment Practice for Neurodivergent Staff
Recruiting neurodivergent staff may involve adapting practices, and providing reasonable adjustments. Some examples of good recruitment practices are:
Reviewing job adverts and person specifications to ensure that they use clear, concise language and emphasise the essential criteria.
Offering applicants the opportunity to disclose that they are neurodivergent or have disabilities that may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Provide candidates with clear, information about how to reach the interview location, ideally with visual cues. Share details about what they can expect during the interview, including who they will meet, the interview’s duration, and its format. Ensure the interview takes place in a quiet, distraction-free space.
If requested and where appropriate – such as competency based interviews – provide questions in advance to give candidates time to process them. If this is requested, questions should be provided to all candidates – not just the person requesting them – with as much notice as possible. During the interview, ask the questions in the same sequence they were provided. This does not preclude managers from asking follow-up questions for clarification.
Be mindful of the potential bias of ‘first impressions’ and refrain from negatively judging body language or limited social interaction.
Provide clear guidance on what they can expect following the interview including timescales to be notified of the outcome.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde takes a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment in all its forms. It is important that any staff member who has experienced or is experiencing sexual harassment, feels able to come forward, report it and access the support that is right for them. For anyone who has experienced or witnessed sexual assault, this can include reporting the incident to Police Scotland
To ensure all our staff are aware of the support that is available to them, and the options open to them to report or raise concerns about sexual harassment, we are rolling out our Cut It Out programme throughout 2024 to:
Demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, across NHSGGC.
Build the trust, confidence and knowledge of staff when raising concerns, so they know they will be dealt with appropriately
Ensure managers are equipped to deal with issues that are raised
Let all staff know what is and is not appropriate in the workplace.
Put in place the right support for people who experience sexual harassment.
If you believe you or one of your colleagues has experienced sexual harassment or any other form of harassment, please contact our Bullying and Harassment confidential helpline on 0141 201 8545 or the HR Support & Advice Unit.
You can also seek support and counselling via Occupational Health, or through the range of support shown in the Resources section at the bottom of this webpage. This includes specific support for any individual who has experienced sexual assault.
What is harassment?
Harassment is unwanted conduct relating to a relevant protected characteristic (age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership or pregnancy and maternity), which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual. It may also relate to other personal characteristics such as trans identities including non-binary, as well as weight or social status.
Examples of Sexual Harassmentas outlined in the NHSScotland Bullying and Harassment Policy:
Indecent exposure
Sexual assault
Unwelcome sexual advances, propositions or pressure for sexual activity, continued suggestions for social activity within or outside the workplace after it has been made clear that such suggestions are unwelcome
Suggestions that sexual favours may further a colleague’s career or refusal may hinder it, for example, promotions, salary increases etc.
Leering, whistling or making sexually suggestive comments or gestures, innuendoes or lewd comments
Examples of Harassment as outlined in the NHSScotland Bullying and Harassment Policy:
Offensive jokes, banter and comments
Ostracising or “freezing out”, ignoring and staring
Patronising comments and remarks
Mimicking
Use of derogatory terms
Inappropriate personal questions or comments
Belittling or patronising comments or nicknames
Assault or other non-accidental physical contact, including disability aids
The display, sending or sharing of offensive letters, publications, objects, images or sounds
Graffiti
Offensive comments about appearance or clothing
Deliberate and consistent behaviours which demonstrate a non-acceptance of aspects relating to protected or personal characteristics, for example, failure to use requested gender pronoun for a transitioning individual
Our Bullying and Harassment policy has both an informal and a formal process
The informal process is focussed on early resolution. This recognises that the best way to resolve an issue at the earliest opportunity is by ensuring the other party is aware of the impact of their behaviour.
If early resolution is unsuccessful or the bullying or harassing behaviour is significant or persistent in nature, the employee or manager may initiate the formal process.
The information below sets out what you need to know about our informal and formal process.
Informal process(Early resolution)
Speaking to the other party directly – the complainant approaches the other party to tell them that they find their behaviour offensive, why this is the case, and to ask them to stop.
Writing to the other party – the complainant writes to the other party to tell them that they find their behaviour offensive, why this is the case, and to ask them to stop.
Supported approach – if the complainant finds speaking to the other party too difficult, but still wishes to seek early resolution, they can ask a manager to relay their concerns to the individual.
Supported conversation – if the individuals involved agree that early resolution is possible this can be supported through an informal discussion. Such meetings can be offered by a third party, e.g. a manager or HR representative, and involve supporting the employees to have a face to face conversation to start rebuilding relationships. During this process employees can be supported by their Trade Union representative or a work colleague. A record of the agreed outcomes will be provided by the third party to all participants.
Mediation – the manager may suggest this to the parties involved to actively support early resolution. Mediation is voluntary and has a clear structure. It offers a safe and constructive approach to enable the parties to problem solve and develop a realistic agreement that meets all their needs. The trained mediators are impartial and they do not take sides or offer solutions but promote and support good conversation. What is said in mediation is confidential and cannot be disclosed or used in any subsequent procedure.
Formal process/procedure
If early resolution is unsuccessful or the bullying or harassing behaviour is significant or persistent in nature, the employee or manager may initiate the formal procedure.
In such cases the manager will assess any risk to determine what supports can be put in place to allow the employees to continue working together during this period e.g. alternate shift patterns. Where this is inappropriate, the employee alleged to have demonstrated the bullying and/or harassing behaviours will be moved to an alternate placement unless the complainant requests a move, or there is a legitimate service need which dictates that the other employee cannot be moved.
To initiate the formal procedure the employee should write to their manager or where this is not possible, or appropriate, to the next level of management. The communication should detail the employee(s) alleged to be demonstrating these behaviours and the nature of these. The employee may access a confidential contact or HR for advice, or a trade union representative for support and assistance.
If the employee has chosen to go straight to the formal stage of the procedure, a manager will discuss with the employee why they think early resolution is not appropriate and will offer every support to allow early resolution to take place.
The manager who receives the complaint must acknowledge the complaint in writing within 7 calendar days, using the Standard acknowledgement letter template. The letter outlines the process for either revisiting the possibility of early resolution or the process of investigation to be undertaken in line with the NHSScotland Workforce Policies Investigation Process.
Supporting staff is a key part of the manager’s job and this module offers guidance and support on issues relating to harassment at work. Any member of staff in NHSGGC who has responsibility for managing NHSGGC staff in their teams can sign up for training using this link: Sexual Harassment – NHSGGC
Active Bystander Training
‘Active Bystander’ is an innovative and award-winning training session which provides skills to challenge unacceptable behaviours, including those which may have become normalised over time. Places can be booked for these 75 minute sessions in 2025/26 via our Cut It Out page on Staffnet. If you are an NHSGGC employee and unable to access Staffnet, please email ggc.staffexperience@nhs.scot with your name, job title and work base, so that we can book you on.
GGC: 330 Speak Up! Supporting Staff to Challenge Inappropriate Behaviours
If you can’t make any of the dates for our tutor led Bystander Trainer sessions, we also have available our Speak Up! learnPro NHS module. To complete this module, please log-in to LearnPro, search for course 330 and add to your courses.
There are a range of Available services to support any member of staff who feel that they are being bullied or harassed:
The impact of sexual harassment or sexual assault can impact individuals differently. It can present physical, psychological and professional difficulties. Many victim-survivors disclose mental health challenges such as anxiety and shame, alongside diminished confidence in the workplace or avoidance of specific work scenarios. Individuals can and do recover but it is important that we acknowledge the individuality of this, and the sources of support needed for this. We encourage employees to use the NHSGGC support service listed above, including contacting the police for any incidents of sexual assault, but acknowledge that additional sources of support may be necessary:
Rape Crisis Scotland – Helpline for anyone over 13 who has experienced sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. Sexual harassment, whether at work or elsewhere, is a form of sexual violence. Helpline: 08088 010302
Self-reflection tool for employees to help reflect on behaviours they are experiencing in the workplace, and to help you determine whether what they are experiencing is harassment: Am I being harassed at work reflection tool
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde believe that all staff should be able to thrive and flourish at work. It is a core role of the organisation and managers to support staff to enable them to do this.
For a staff member with a disability and / or a long-term health condition, standard working practices should be reasonably adapted to enable that member of staff to continue to work. Doing this will:
Enable the staff member to feel appreciated and valued at work
Help us retain staff and reduce sickness absence
Ensure that we comply with relevant equality legislation
Remove barriers to full participation to all our staff
Implement reasonable adjustments to avoid the time spent managing sickness absences.
Putting in place a reasonable adjustment can mean that a member of staff is treated differently from their colleagues and is in fact what we are required to do under the law. This is the difference between treating team members equally and equitably.
Our Reasonable Adjustment Guidance explains what reasonable adjustments are and how managers should support any of their staff with disabilities or long-term conditions.
The Neurodivergent Sub-Group of the Staff Disability Forum have, in partnership, developed a webpage aimed at helping staff support and work with neurodivergent colleagues.
Some helpful case studies and links to further resources are below.
Case Study 1 – a member of staff who experiences sensory issues and wears hearing aids
Susanne, aged 23 years, is a newly recruited staff member within an inpatient setting. She is a trainee within the Audiology team. She wears hearing aids in both ears and did not disclose information about her disability during the interview. However, she informed her manager when offered the job. Her manager contacted HR to seek advice about how to proceed and support this recruitment process as well as Susanne with reasonable adjustment to work within the team.
What adjustments would make a difference?
Discussing the role and responsibilities with Susanne.
Speaking with Susanne to gain a greater understanding of her needs.
Making a referral to Occupational Health.
Discussing potential adjustments to equipment or environment that may be required. Providing extra time to carry out record keeping and lengthening appointment time with patients.
Gaining consent from Susanne to disclose information about her needs with the team and specifically her supervisor.
Provision of emotional support from peers and colleagues to ensure Susanne feels that she is heard and listened to.
Creating a personalised fire evacuation plan.
Case Study 2 – an employee returning to work after a long-term sickness absence following a stroke
The experienced employee was referred to Occupational Health (OH) following his return to work after a stroke. He is 41 years old and does not want to go for medical retirement.
The employee has difficulty concentrating, focusing on tasks and can appear to be anxious, and therefore to be struggling physically. During the OH consultation, the employee indicated that his cognition, hearing and physical functions were impacted. He was under the care of rehabilitation for 8 months. Prior to the appointment, the staff member had no clue about any adjustments but was keen to return to work to keep him occupied.
At the rehab centre, he met therapists (OT, Physio, and Audiology) who were able to improve the functioning to manage activities of daily living (ADLs), but this required time.
Key Issues:
The ward environment is busy and distracting.
Having difficulty remembering processes and therefore anxious that they appear to be not coping, which affects physical functioning such as typing/ writing.
Unable to walk long distances.
Adjustments suggested:
The OH Staff Nurse identified and proposed a graded return to work with increased meetings with the supervisor. Would be happy for workplace adjustments passport to be completed covering:
Support with routine planning.
To use a quiet office to complete his written work, such as care plans.
Prepare check lists for tasks/processes.
Using flowcharts to make following processes easier, as the standard operating processes contained too much information, which caused confusion.
During rounds/meetings, they use a note-taking app on their work phone.
Use of aid when walking.
Taking frequent breaks as and when required.
Flexibility to work from home when too tired to stay on site. It was noted throughout this agreement that duties would gradually increase and skills improve.
Case Study 3 – Member of staff entering the menopause
Anna is a nurse in a community setting. About 4 years ago – aged 48, she stared to notice symptoms. “Not the stereotypical night sweats and changes to my periods, but struggled with sleeping, sore joints, low mood and generally not feeling myself”.
She was lacking in confidence – been in her job a long time so was feeling that she should be at the top of her game, but couldn’t remember things, was worried about driving, prescribing and stressed that she would make mistakes at work.
Lucky that she worked where there are lots of colleagues who were really supportive and said that it sounded like the peri-menopause. They suggested Anna had a chat with her GP who provided her medication.
Anna didn’t talk to her line manager about it at the time, because she felt that she should have been able to manage things. Anna didn’t want to be seen to be moaning or seen as weak. While she feels she should have been able to, Anna didn’t have that relationship with her line manager at that time.
What adjustments would have made a difference?
The single biggest thing that would have made a difference is some flexibility with start times. Her team had an 8.30am meeting before the clinic day starts and Anna liked be present at the meeting, not rushing in at 8.30am. If she’d had had a bad night with no sleep, that was incredibly difficult for her. Just to have known it was OK to text and say ‘had a bad night’ and get support from her manager to start a bit later, took away a lot of her stress and anxiety.
The other thing that was important was emotional support from peers and colleagues. Just someone to off-load to, have a chat and listen to.
Anna reflects that this needs a gentle approach because people might not be ready to accept the stage they are at, can be resistant to accepting that the symptoms are menopause. Her experience was that self-care is a big thing too – not just about medication.
Case Study 4 – adjustments for individual with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The employee was referred to Occupational Health as a Management referral due to performance and capability issues as a newly qualified Staff Nurse.
The employee had difficulty with focussing on tasks and appeared to be anxious. During the Occupational Health consultation the employee indicated that when they were university they had been diagnosed as having ADHD and had been supported with written work assignments and placements as a student. As this was their first qualified Nurse post they did not know if they needed any adjustments.
As a newly qualified Staff Nurse they had a Preceptor (mentor) who was already providing one to one support to become familiar with the ward and processes to be followed. The Staff Nurse identified that they were developing a good bond with their Preceptor, and would be happy for a workplace adjustments passport to be completed and shared with the Preceptor and the Senior Nursing team.
Issues identified by the Staff Nurse was that they found the ward environment busy and distracting and had difficulty remembering processes and anxious that they appeared to be not coping.
We discussed the Scottish ADHD coalition Guide to ADHD (www.scottishadhdcoalition.org) in the workplace and used this to identify specific issues and solutions that the Staff Nurse may find useful.
Adjustments suggested
Increased meetings with the mentor, initially daily to supervise work and plan the daily tasks.
To work with the Preceptor as buddy rather than ad hoc catch ups.
To use a quiet office to complete her written work, care planning and prepare check list for tasks/ processes.
There was already SOP (standard operating processes) but the Staff Nurse identified they were too much information on them and these caused them difficulty. They realised if they made bullet points they could follow processes easier.
During rounds/ meetings, use a note taking app on their works phone.
Once they became familiar with the ward routine they did not require as much feedback but continued to have meeting with the mentor so any difficulty was identified as soon as possible.
Building a Better Workplace: Working together to ensure our workplace is free of racism.
We want all staff in NHSGGC to feels safe, respected, and valued. Our workplace should always be a place where differences are celebrated and where everyone has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or identity.
If you believe you or one of your colleagues has been the victim of bullying or harassment, you can find out more information on our factsheet or access the new helpline by calling 0141 201 8545, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 4pm and Thursday’s between 12.00pm to 4pm.
There is more information about how to contact HR for support and advice on HR Connect.
If you witness or experience racism, don’t stay silent. Use your voice to challenge it. Remember, bystander intervention can be incredibly powerful.
Talk openly and honestly about race and racism with your colleagues. Open dialogue is key to understanding and building empathy.
Utilize our dedicated channels: If you feel uncomfortable speaking up directly, you can use our confidential Bullying and Harassment Helpline or speak to one of our Bullying and Harassment Confidential Contacts
Get Involved:
Join the BME Staff Network: Connect with colleagues from similar backgrounds, share experiences, and support each other. You can join as a BME member of staff or as an ally.
Attend our Bystander Training: Learn how to effectively intervene in situations of racism and discrimination. See the links to sign up at the bottom of this page.
Become an Ally: Actively support and advocate for colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Remember, every action, big or small, makes a difference. By speaking up, intervening, and getting involved, we can create a workplace where everyone feels respected and empowered.
Let’s build a Better Workplace, free from racism and discrimination. Together, we can make a positive change.
Active Bystander Training
‘Active Bystander’ is an innovative and award-winning training session which provides skills to challenge unacceptable behaviours, including those which may have become normalised over time. Places can be booked for these 75 minute sessions in 2025/26 via our Cut It Out page on Staffnet. If you are an NHSGGC employee and unable to access Staffnet, please email ggc.staffexperience@nhs.scot with your name, job title and work base, so that we can book you on.
Six Resources you can use to help make your workplace inclusive and welcoming.
Speak Up!
if you see have any concerns or issues at work, please Speak up! This could be about your working life, the quality of service we offer or the care provided to our patients. You can find out more about how to Speak Up on our dedicated webpage.
‘Growing our inclusive culture: Empowering everyone to promote Respect, Kindness and Equity.’
Following our previous successes, NHSGGC are delighted to be hosting our third Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Conference for people managers on the 14 August 2025, which will be held in the Queen Elizabeth, Teaching and Learning Centre, at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus.
The day will be opened by Professor Jann Gardner, NHSGGC Chief Executive, followed by an overview of our NHSGGC Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan from Liam Spence, Head of Staff Experience.
Our keynote speaker is Dr Barbara Banda. Barbara is a highly respected diversity and inclusion consultant with extensive experience working across NHS England and Wales. Please visit Dr Barbara Banda‘s YouTube channel to learn more about Barbara’s story and work. Dr Lesley Thomson KC, NHSGGC Board Chair, will provide closing remarks.
Following this there will be a range of breakout sessions taking place to provide attendees with practical tools and techniques to support their staff and embed EDI in their service. Breakouts will include tips on creating psychological safety, tackling hate crime and good practice on leading diverse teams.
Through her consultancy, Neish Training, Gillian works across the UK with individuals and organisations in all sectors to help them fulfil their potential. The focus of her work is power, whether challenging the power inequities of racism, sexism and the other ‘isms’ or developing personal power through personal development programmes. Gillian designed and facilitates NHSGGC’s Leadership Programme for staff from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
Tackling Gender Inequality
Led by Close the Gap, this session will explore how gender norms and stereotyping about women’s capabilities and interests can result in a segregation in the types of work that men and women do and how these can often underpin violence against women. The term ‘violence against women’ refers to violent and abusive behaviour that is carried out against women, primarily by men, as a result of their gender. This abusive behaviour can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or economic and stems from women’s deep-rooted inequality.
Tackling Hate Crime
Police Scotland will lead this session about hate crime, behaviours which are both criminal and rooted in prejudice. The legal definition of hate crime is “any crime which is understood by the victim or any other person as being motivated (wholly or partly) by malice or ill will towards a social group.”
The person experiencing hate does not always need to be in one of these groups. We look at why the act or offence was committed and the perceptions of those involved.
Enabling our Disabled Workforce
The breakout will explore how managers can recruit and support staff with disabilities and help them develop their careers within and beyond NHSGGC. The session will be presented by Stuart Carmichael from the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL), one of our third sector partners who have helped hundreds of disabled people find good, meaningful work.
The New NHSGGC Equality Scheme (2025-2029) – BOOKINGS CLOSED – NOW AT FULL CAPACITY
Al Low leads NHSGGC’s Equality and Human Rights Team. Al will introduce you to NHSGGC’s Equality Strategy, published in April 2025 and explain the process used to identify and deliver areas of improvement and the role we all share to help create a fairer NHSGGC.
Speaking Up and Active Bystander – BOOKINGS CLOSED – NOW AT FULL CAPACITY
This session will take you through some of the key principles of Speaking Up and being an Active Bystander, empowering staff across NHSGGC to challenge poor behaviours. Drawing on lessons from our Sexual Harassment: Cut It Out programme, Anthony Craig, Senior EDI Advisor, will show you how, when we challenge poor behaviours, we can shift the boundaries of what is considered acceptable within our culture.
Civility Saves Lives – BOOKINGS CLOSED – NOW AT FULL CAPACITY
Civility Saves Lives (CSL) is about how we treat each other at work. The aim of the CSL campaign in NHSGGC is to encourage positive workplace relationships and environments where the culture is improved by promoting the value of kind, caring and respectful interactions. The campaign also aims to raise awareness and understanding of the impact that rude, unprofessional and unproductive behaviour has and how the calling it out with compassion approach can help to address incivility.
We have three Staff Forums and Network for BME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ staff members and their allies. These are staff led groups of employees, established to support colleagues in having their voices heard in respect of experiences working for NHSGGC.
Each Forum/Network has an appointed Chair and a growing membership of around 300 to 350 people.
The invitation to join a Forum/Network is open to everyone – please click the relevant tile below to find out more about joining and becoming a member.
We are committed to supporting our staff equality groups and have named Human Resource contacts to provide consistent support, information and advice to the Chair and members, with HR specific enquires and concerns.
Our Staff Forums and Network are inclusive, engaging and passionate, offering support, access and opportunity. Members are invited to share lived experiences if they choose, and exchange ideas and recommendations for continuous improvement. The Forums/Network enable constructive conversations and are a powerful source of influence.
Our commitment is to provide a safe, inclusive and diverse workplace.
Our staff’s wellbeing sits at the centre of all that we do. We all have a part to play in making sure that we provide an inclusive environment. An environment free from discrimination, bullying and harassment, enables everyone to achieve their full potential at work.
We will address any form of discrimination, bullying or harassment, intended or accidental, through our Once For Scotland Policies.
Additional to our organisational commitment, every employee has an equal responsibility for their own actions. Your responsibility is to ensure that you act in a safe and responsible manner.
If you feel that you are being harassed, bullied or discriminated against in any way, or if you are aware of harassment, bullying, discrimination affecting others, you are supported and encouraged to raise the matter through the appropriate channels quickly, to ensure the correct action is taken.
Thank you for your continued support in ‘Growing our Great Community’.
The Black And Minority Ethnic (BME) Staff Network was established in 2018. This followed a consultation with key stakeholders about their lived experience. The Network is working closely with the Workforce Equality Group to continuously improve the workplace experience of BME staff.
If you would like to join the BME Staff Network, please email ggc.bmestaffnetwork@nhs.scot for more information. The network is for both BME members of staff and their allies.
If you wish to join the Network’s mailing list, please be assured that your personal details will not be disclosed. You can be part of the Network anonymously.
Emails sent will always be blind copied.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us at ggc.staffexperience@nhs.scot
You can join our Facebook NHSGGC – BAME Staff Network by contacting us, or by clicking the button below. There are some details required to verify that requests are from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) employees. Please remember that this Network is private, and confidentiality is expected from each member – this is a safe, trust-based space.
Sue Silva, Health Care Assistant, Rehabilitation and Assessment, Lightburn Hospital– Network Co-Chair
Sue Silva said: “I am delighted to be elected Co-Chair and I want to reaffirm the purpose of the Network as a safe, supportive and courageous space for BME staff across NHSGGC to raise issues, speak their truth and shape change. We stand together to challenge inequality, celebrate diverse cultures and be a voice to influence decisions that affect our working lives.”
Owolona Ogbe, Healthcare Chaplain, Glasgow Royal Infirmary– Network Co-Chair
Owolona Ogbe echoed Sue’s comments, adding: “If you’ve ever felt invisible, unheard or are struggling to carry on when no one is listening, then the Network is a place for you. I want all our members to know, you are not alone. As Co-chair I am just as passionate about the power of sharing positive experiences, to inspire colleagues to do more – stories of empowerment and belonging matter and show the progress we are making.”
Mehvish Ashraf, MRPharmS, Non-Executive Director – BME Board Champion
As a Non-Executive Director and Board’s BAME Champion, Mehvish brings a wealth of patient facing and senior management expertise from her career as a community pharmacist where she worked for an independent chain of pharmacies with sites across Scotland.
As a Muslim woman of colour, she has experienced Islamophobia and racism and is passionate about ensuring that we create a workplace that truly values diversity, creating the right culture, systems and support to enable this.
Mehvish is a member of the Staff Governance Committee, Clinical and Care Governance Committee, the East Renfrewshire Integrated Joint Board and a Trustee of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Healthcare Charity (formerly the Endowment Fund).
Aims
Provide a safe, supportive and confidential forum for sharing experiences.
Network and discuss identified issues that affect members of staff from BME groups.
Act as a platform for consultation and influence on issues impacting on the health, wellbeing and work of BME staff.
Facilitate opportunities for feedback on staff governance issues in relation to the experience of BME staff.
During the holy month of Ramadan many of our Muslim colleagues and patients observed the fast. This requires abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, impacting various aspects of their daily lives.
We encourage managers to review the guidance and, where practicable, make adjustments to service plans for the month.
Developing Leadership Skills Programme Year 3 (2025)
Applications for the Year 3 Leadership Skills Programme for employees from black and minority ethnic communities in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are now closed. Details for future programmes will be added here in the future.
NHSGGC BME Leadership Stories
NHSGGC continues on our journey to maximise inclusion and diversity within our workforce.
We complimented our existing portfolio of management and leadership development provision with our ‘Developing Leadership Skills’ programme specifically for Black and Minority Ethnic employees in NHSGGC.
The first programme was delivered online via MS Teams from October 2022 to March 2023. Feedback from our staff participating is detailed below. Details of our next programme feature in the ‘Developing Leadership Skills Programme 2023/24’ section above.
David Ejim
“Since completing the training, I have taken up a promotion at the NHSGGC Care Home Collaborative as a Quality Improvement Advisor, which I credit in no small part to the Programme. In addition to building my confidence to go for this post, the training helped me develop skills which I use daily in my current role. I know the BME Leadership Development Programme has enriched my practice and therefore strongly recommend it.”
Kamaljit Khalsa
“I am Dr Kamaljit Khalsa, a Consultant Medical Microbiology based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. I have just completed the BME Leadership Development Programme run by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. The programme highlighted the value of diversity and equality within team settings. By networking and engaging with people from across the whole organisation it was useful to hear about some of the struggles and challenges faced including unconscious bias. Going forward we built on some common goals, ideas and aspirations. The small accountability groups enabled us to engage and gain support from one another. I would highly recommend this programme and feel it has improved my confidence, leadership skills and realised the importance of looking oneself.”
Dr Esther Azi
“I am Esther Azi, a Specialty Doctor with the West of Scotland Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Services (SARCS). I was privileged to be part of the pioneer cohort that underwent the BME Leadership Development Programme.
I must say it was a rich and well packaged programme. From the brilliant facilitator Gillian Neish, the amazing colleagues from NHSGGC, I met and interacted with over six months from all disciplines and cadres, to the guest speakers with lived experiences and huge wealth of knowledge.
The programmed spanned six months, it was well spaced out and the virtual component allowed for flexibility. The break out sessions made it quite engaging and stimulating and the blend of reflective writing, oral presentations and life hacks from guest speakers made it possible for me to leave the programme with a lot of skills and confidence in approaching CV writing, interviews, leading teams and being assertive in the face of bullying or discrimination.
I particularly enjoyed the mindfulness and wellbeing moments we observed during each session, reminding us to take care of ourselves so we could give our best to our patients, the team, and the organisation at large. Joining the BME Network during the programme also meant I had on-going support after the course, as we were constantly reminded ‘support networks are their weight in gold’.
Since the programme, I have taken the initiative to lead on a project, which has made me more confident in putting forward ideas, working across different teams and be solution driven.
In all, I would highly recommend this programme for future cohorts. This would entail full participation to get the full range of tangible and intangible benefits.
Black History Month 2024
The network organised various events, including stalls at several acute sites, a screening of Sing Sing at the Medicinema, and an evening celebrating Reclaiming Narratives: Black Professionals Shaping the NHS. These gatherings provided valuable opportunities to engage with staff, increasing network membership and strengthening community bonds through shared stories and experiences.
South Asian Heritage Month 2024
In August 2024, the BME Network held an event to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month. Details of this event, with photographs, can be viewed by clicking this link.
National NHS Minority Ethnic Network
NHSGGC Board and BME Staff Network are committed to supporting to the National NHS Minority Ethnic Network, established in 2021. The key work streams are:
Employment
Recruitment – Selection – Development – Career Progression
Accurate employee equality data enables us to make the right provisions for our staff. Monitoring diversity at all stages of the employee journey is an important means of growing and nurturing an inclusive workplace. It enables us to ensure our staff population is a direct representation of the patient population we serve.
We collect, analyse and publish employee equality data on our staff regularly, which helps us identify gaps and improvement opportunities. Understanding the demographics of our staff, we can better support everyone.
NHSGGC collect data on ethnicity, religion, age, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment. These are all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. As an organisation committed to equality of opportunity, it is important that we hold accurate data demonstrating our diverse staff group. We adhere to GDPR, confidentiality and data protection at all times.
We use employee information anonymously to generate data. This data helps us to ensure equality of opportunity in all areas of the employee journey. It enables us to develop policies and implement initiatives which ensure progress as an equal and inclusive employer.
All Personal Sensitive Information is held securely within eESS. Any updates or changes to this type of information is held in confidence, and will not be notified to your manager, HR or anyone else using the system.
We ask and encourage you to update and maintain your personal employee equality data on eESS you can do so by following Change Personal Information – NHS Scotland eESS. This enables us to continuously improve as an equal opportunities employer. It ensure the right resources, facilities and support are available for you.
If you would like to discuss employee data and how this can benefit you and the organisation, please contact ggc.staffexperience@nhs.scot
