UHNM secure RACE Equality Code Quality Mark

University Hospitals of North Midlands has secured the prestigious RACE Equality Code Quality Mark in recognition of its work to support race equality and ability along with its determination to eliminate all discrimination in the workplace.

The RACE Code stands for Reporting, Action, Composition and Education and is based on current laws, reports, charters and pledges, meaning the Trust’s work has been based on recognised best practice. It is designed to support managers in identify ways in which they can continue to improve diversity and race equality within their services – ensuring employees and service-users feel both valued and understood.

To be awarded the mark, an in-depth assessment was required, looking at how inclusive UHNM is of staff and patients, as well as the work being undertaken to further improve and support its diverse workforce.

Charlotte Lees, UHNM Workforce Equality Lead, said: “Our participation in the RACE Equality Code indicates the recognition and importance we place racial equity at UHNM. I am proud of what the Trust has achieved to-date and I look forward to seeing how the Code, and our continued focus on this important work, positively impacts on both our workforce and our patients.  We are absolutely committed to making this a great place to work for everyone.”

Dr Karl George MBE established the code in 2020 to tackle race inequity in senior leadership/ management positions and enabling opportunity.

Ann-Marie Riley, UHNM Chief Nurse, said: “Here at UHNM we are privileged to work with colleagues representing over 108 different nationalities and we are really proud that international colleagues chose to come and join our teams and local community. We have proactively and successfully recruited international nurses and midwives and hope to recruit a further 100 international nurses in 2023.  We are extremely proud of the diversity across our workforce and the breadth of experience our international colleagues bring to UHNM which enhances the care that we can provide to our population..  We are always looking at ways to improve and I am delighted that our work on inclusion and supporting diversity has been recognised with this high standard quality mark.”