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Growing our Great Community through Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Staff Disability Forum exists to provide a support network for staff and to facilitate positive changes in the organisation. Staff engagement and feedback is vital for the organisation to work together. The Staff Disability Forum was established in 2015. 

If you would like to join our Staff Disability Forum please contact: ggc.staffdisabilityforum@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and if you wish to join the Forum’s mailing list, please be assured that your personal details will not be disclosed and you can be part of the Forum anonymously. Emails sent will always be blind copied.

The Forum has a social media presence on Facebook.

To be added to our mailing list, please email ggc.staffdisabilityforum@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Please see the drop-down below for information about the Neurodivergent Sub-Group.

Staff Disability Forum Chair

Atika Sharma is Chair of the Staff Disability Forum and is a Learning Disability Physiotherapist within Glasgow City HSCP. Atika looks forward to continuing to grow and develop our Disability Staff Forum.

Kate Ocker is Vice-Chair of the Staff Disability Forum and is a Research Nurse, based at Gartnavel General Hospital. Kate helps to lead the Forum with commitment and determination and shares “I developed my own disability in 2005. It came out of the blue and turned my world upside down. My experiences of how I was then treated and perceived have left me with a burning passion to make sure nobody ever has to face that. Working together, we can achieve a valued, diverse workforce. I would love to see more people accessing the Staff Disability Forum for support, to contribute and above all, to make a difference. Sharing good practice is as helpful as raising concerns. You can contact in confidence, or you can join meetings and know that your voice is heard and valued.

I have been involved with the Forum since the beginning and I am delighted to see the steady growth. But there is still the need to spread the word that every voice matters. I am pleased to be stepping back as Atika takes over as Chair, with her huge compassion, energy and new perspectives. I will continue to give my support through the Forum.”

Martin Savage is also Vice-Chair of the Staff Disability Forum and is a Carers’ Information Worker within Glasgow City HSCP.

Our Staff Disability Forum aims to:
  • Promote equality
  • Protect staff against discrimination
  • Encourage colleagues to share their lived experiences
  • Empower staff to feel able to confidently disclose their disability
Terms of Reference
Neurodivergent Sub-Group

A Neurodivergent Sub-Group has been established, with the purpose of the group being to:

  • Provide Neurodivergent staff members with support and a safe place to be our Neurodivergent selves.
  • Provide input into NHSGGC policy and procedures where appropriate. 
  • Provide, where appropriate and where group members have the time, advice to the wider NHSGGC staff group regarding matters related to Neurodivergence.

Meeting dates for 2024

  • Tuesday 7 May from 2:30pm to 4pm
  • Monday 5 August from 2:30pm to 4pm
  • Tuesday 5 November from 2:30pm to 4pm

To contact the Sub-Group, please email GGC.StaffNDGroup@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Meeting Dates for 2024

Please contact ggc.staffdisabilityforum@ggc.scot.nhs.uk for details on how to join.

  • Monday 5 February from 11.00am to 12.30pm
  • Wednesday 8 May from 1.00pm to 3.00pm
  • Tuesday 20 August from 11.00am to 12.30pm
  • Monday 4 November from 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Remote Drop In Sessions 2024

Drop ins are a regular feature to allow for networking, general support and raising any matters people are finding interesting or challenging. They take place on the second Tuesday of every month from 6.30pm to 7.30pm

  • Tuesday 9 January
  • Tuesday 13 February
  • Tuesday 12 March
  • Tuesday 9 April
  • Tuesday 14 May
  • Tuesday 11 June
  • Tuesday 9 July
  • Tuesday 13 August
  • Tuesday 10 September
  • Tuesday 8 October
  • Tuesday 12 November
  • Tuesday 10 December

Please contact ggc.staffdisabilityforum@ggc.scot.nhs.uk for details on how to join.

Staff Disability Forum Meetup – 17 April

The Staff Disability Forum is hosting a face-to-face meeting for members, and those who would like to more about the forum, to come together in a supportive space.  The forum is for all staff members with a disability or long-term condition and for their allies. 

We will be at the Teaching and Learning Centre, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Wednesday 17th April in Room L0-006 on the ground floor from 1:30pm until 3:00pm. There will be tea, coffee and cake!

Please register for the event here: Staff Disability Forum Meetup – 17 April

Reasonable Adjustment Guidance

We have launched the updated Reasonable Adjustment Guidance to support employees with a disability, health condition or diversity in the workplace to have, a great experience at work. This guidance can be used in conjunction with the Workplace Adjustment Passport.

Useful Links

Our members have found the following links useful resources. If you would like to suggest any more for inclusion, please email ggc.staffdisabilityforum@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Accessible Toilet Facilities    

https://www.bladderandbowel.org/help-information/just-cant-wait-card

Adult Autism and Neurodivergence Support

Autism Understanding Scotland – reframing the narrative around autism

Arthritis

Versus Arthritis | All of us pushing to defy arthritis

Axial Spondyloarthritis, including Ankylosing Spondylitis

Your SpAce | National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (nass.co.uk)

Bowel Conditions

https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/

Cardiac arrhythmias 

Home – Arrhythmia Alliance – UK (heartrhythmalliance.org)

Cerebral Palsy

Home – UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement (upmovement.org.uk)

Cerebral Palsy Scotland

Ehlers-Danlos (connective tissue syndromes)

The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK – Support for people touched by the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes

The HMSA | The Hypermobility Syndromes Association  

Headaches and Migraine

OUCH(up) – Cluster Headache Charity | Support for Sufferers & their Families (ouchuk.org)

Multiple Sclerosis

MS Society UK

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (For Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalopathy/Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Long COVID)

The ME Association         

Renal Disease

Kidney Care UK     

Stroke Survivors           

Stroke Association | Home 

Home – Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (chss.org.uk)

We asked some of our members for their feedback on what the Staff Forum and Networks mean to them.

See some examples below to get a feel for their value and impact:

  • “The LGBTQ+ Staff Forum is a collective of likeminded individuals where we can promote and campaign for equality, inclusion and awareness.”
  • “I would love to see more people accessing the Staff Disability Forum for support, to contribute and above all, to make a difference. Sharing good practice is as helpful as raising concerns. You can contact in confidence, or you can join meetings and know that your voice is heard and valued.”
  • “The BME Network has provided me a safe space out with my own department where I feel heard and am able to talk about issues that affect me at work. As a consequence I have felt empowered to raise concerns and begin a journey towards influencing a real change in culture within the workplace.”
  • “I joined the LGBTQ+ Staff Forum as I think visibility is really important. Growing up I didn’t see gay people in everyday life. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
  • “Staff who are supported and allowed to work to their strengths can achieve amazing things.”
  • “The Network is a really good place to share my own experiences and hear the voices of others who share my protected characteristic.”

If you have feedback to share of your experience as a Staff Forum or Network member please contact ggc.staffexperience@ggc.scot.nhs.uk 

NHSGGC has a legal responsibility as set out in The Equality Act (2010) that states we must show due regard to:

  • Promotion of equality of opportunity
  • Prevention of discrimination, victimisation and harassment
  • Fostering of good relations

The Equality Act (2010) sets out nine protected characteristics under which protection and redress are afforded. Many of us have more than one of these protected characteristics.

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and Civil Partnership
  • Pregnancy and Maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual Orientation

The Equality Act’s revised provision includes The Fairer Scotland Duty 2018. It states that NHSGGC must pay due regard to reducing inequality of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage when making strategic decisions.

The pages within the “Celebrating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion” detail a broad spectrum of activity, resources and contacts. All are linked to NHSGGC’s commitment and legal responsibility as set out in The Equality Act (2010).

‘A Fairer NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’ explains how the organisation will uphold the law by addressing inequalities. The document also covers people’s right not to be discriminated against in the workplace. It includes the organisation’s progress on mainstreaming equality into NHSGGC and Equality Outcomes.

Additionally, NHSGGC is progressing work against the key national recommendations from the Equality and Human Rights Commission report, following the Commission’s inquiry across public sector organisations. Equality networks take forward the recommendations either nationally or locally. The Workforce Equality Action Plan aligns the recommendations against it’s five stands.

Our Workforce Equality Group is an established forum of stakeholders with appointed Executive sponsors and non-Executive Champions from across the organisation. These include Human Resources and Organisational Development, Equalities and Human Rights, Staff Side Colleagues, Corporate Communications and Equality Group, Staff Forum / Network Chairs, and our Executive Sponsor and Champions.

Our primary focus is to champion change, shape strategy and policy to ensure inclusivity for all throughout NHSGGC.

In order to do this most effectively we:

  • Collaboratively develop the NHSGGC Workforce Equality Action Plan and oversee its delivery – the 2023/24 Plan can be viewed by clicking this link
  • Ensure we operate in alignment with the Board’s organisational values
  • Encourage a behavioural approach which promotes and embeds the principles of dignity and respect across our workforce
  • Provide access to the relevant information, standards, policies, procedures and legislation to ensure equality, diversity and inclusivity throughout the organisation
  • Provide governance and assurance to support, align and engage Staff Forums and Networks 
Sponsors & Champions

As part of our organisational commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we have four appointed executive leaders. They represent our Board of Directors’ continued dedication to growing an inclusive organisation, where every employee is treated fairly and consistently, with dignity and respect.

As well as the appointed Executive sponsors and champions introduced below, every employee can be a champion of equality, diversity and inclusion by consistently displaying encouraging behaviours to ensure all interactions are in line with our organisational values.

Anne MacPherson, Executive Sponsor, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

As the Director of Human and Resources and Organisational Development for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Anne brings vision and clarity to the continuous evolution of our Workforce Equality Strategic Framework, as part of our Workforce Strategy. Anne leads the Board’s Workforce Equality Group (WEG) which is a forum of key stakeholders who collaborate to champion change, shape strategy and policy to ensure inclusivity for all throughout NHSGGC. 

“Our continued focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a critical part of our NHSGGC  ‘Workforce Strategy’ aligned to our Better Workplace objectives. It is important that everyone understands the part they play in creating a culture where diversity is acknowledged and celebrated, in line with our organisational values”.

Anne drives forward and inspires the Workforce Equality Strategy with leadership, direction and dedication, determined to continue “Growing our Great Community” where every employee is valued and respected for the unique talents they bring to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Anne-Marie Monaghan, Non-Executive Director, Disability Diversity Champion

As Non-Executive Director, and the Board’s Disability Diversity Champion, Anne-Marie brings energy and rigour to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Workforce Equality Strategy. With significant experience of working in both voluntary sector and public sector, Anne-Marie has held a range of senior roles with significant financial, governance, operational and strategic responsibilities, as well as extensive experience of social work delivery with skills in learning disability, policy, and community engagement.

As a woman living with a significant disability, I have experienced discrimination and prejudice. I am committed to making sure that disability does not prevent people from reaching their potential and that all marginalised groups have equality of opportunity and are fairly treated.

Driven, energetic and determined, Anne-Marie ensures inspired coordinated action, to progress focussed delivery of our Workforce Equality Action Plan.

As well as ensuring visibility and accessibility to our extended workforce, Anne-Marie is a member of the NHSGGC Public Health Committee and the Finance, Planning and Performance Committee.

Ketki Miles, Non-Executive Director, LGBTQ+ Diversity Champion

As a Non-Executive Director, and the Board’s LGBTQ+ Diversity Champion, Ketki brings a strategic focus and drive to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Workforce Equality Strategy. Having worked internationally in the Financial Services industry, Ketki has experience in developing organisational cultures that embed diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their operations.

Ketki is a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community and is honoured to be a Champion of this group. In 2022, Ketki commenced a transition plan that enables her to become the co-chair of the Staff Governance Committee, where she will oversee and seek assurance on NHSGGC’s focus across all staff matters. She also joins the Remuneration and Finance, Planning and Performance Committees, whilst remaining a member of the East Dunbartonshire Integrated Joint Board.

Mehvish Ashraf MRPharmS, Non-Executive Director, BME 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).

 

NHSGGC has a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and we are continuously working towards building a Better Workplace. The One NHS Family campaign raises awareness of our commitment to acknowledging, supporting and celebrating our diverse workforce.

COVID-19 has highlighted the many health and wider inequalities in our society. It has become increasingly clear that COVID 19 has had a disproportionate impact on many who already face disadvantage. The One NHS Family campaign takes coordinated action to support those at risk across our organisation.

We work together to make sure we value and respect colleagues for who they are, and for the unique part they play in our organisation. We will embed a ‘zero tolerance’ response to behaviour that contradicts our organisational commitments to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Practical support and activity provided by One NHS Family includes promoting and supporting NHSGGC’s Staff Forums / Network, offering peer support, employee training opportunities and pioneering career development programmes.

NHSGGC is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Everyone has a part to play in supporting our culture, acknowledging equality, diversity and inclusion, and building a Fairer Workplace for all.

Our diverse staff group brings a richness of perspectives. It is critical that we treat everyone working for NHSGGC fairly and consistently, with dignity and respect. We will be better supporting our diverse patient community in an environment where diversity valued.

NHSGGC can only be truly inclusive if every single one of us commits and contributes.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference and Webinar Series

To read more about our first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference and our webinar series, please click this link.

Key Stakeholder Groups

To continue to drive Equality, Diversity and Inclusion forward at an organisational level, five key stakeholder groups contribute to the delivery of Equality and Diversity activity:

  • Workforce Equality Group
  • One NHS Family
  • Staff Disability Forum
  • BME Network
  • LGBTQ+ Forum

You can find information on these groups by clicking the buttons below.

Organisational Values supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We encourage every employee to embrace our organisational values of Care and Compassion; Dignity & Respect, Openness and Transparency and Quality & Teamwork. By embracing our values, we continue Growing our Great Community, where everybody feels supported, valued and part of NHSGGC.

The Equality Act 2010 offers protection towards groups with ‘Protected Characteristics’. The Act explains the nine protected characteristics.

As part of our ongoing committment to Building a Better Workplace and Growing our Great Community, we have a range of commitments and activities currently underway as you will see described below.

Reasonable Adjustment Guidance

More recently, we have launched the new Reasonable Adjustment Guidance to support employees with a disability, health condition or diversity in the workplace, so they can be supported to have a great experience at work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2024

The calendar has been developed as a resource for staff to demonstrate a visible and supportive role which is committed to respecting and celebrating diverse communities, cultures and faiths. The calendar provides details of the main religious festivals, major national and international days of celebration or memorial which reflect the diverse population of our staff and community.

We focus on the six major world faiths – Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism. This does not mean we do not recognise that there are many more faiths equally as important. We also recognise that a large proportion of our NHSGGC community may have no religion or belief.

Did you know you can easily add key events and religious holidays from around the world to your Outlook calendar?

Here’s how:

1.    Open your Outlook calendar.

2.    Click on “My Calendars” on the left-hand side.

3.    Select “Add Calendar” and choose “From Country.”

4.    In the search bar, find the country where the event or holiday is widely observed.

5.    Select the calendar you wish to add and click “OK.”

Now, you’ll see important dates automatically added to your calendar, helping you be more mindful of diverse cultures.

By embracing these small steps, we can build a more inclusive and respectful work environment for everyone.

If you would like to find out more about dates and events included within this calendar, NHSGGC libraries have a range of books containing relevant information. This resource list will be updated throughout the year.

More Information