NHS equality, diversity, and inclusion improvement plan

This improvement plan sets out targeted actions to address the prejudice and discrimination – direct and indirect – that exists through behaviour, policies, practices and cultures against certain groups and individuals across the NHS workforce.

It has been co-produced through engagement with staff networks and senior leaders and focuses on four main focus points:

> Settingout why equality, diversity and inclusion is a key foundation for creating a caring, efficient, productive and safe NHS

> Explainingthe actions required to make the changes that NHS staff and patients expect and deserve, and who is accountable and responsible for their delivery

> Describinghow NHS England will support implementation

> Providinga framework for integrated care boards to produce their own local plans

Where diversity – across the whole workforce – is underpinned by inclusion, staff engagement, retention, innovation and productivity improve. Inclusive environments create psychological safety and release the benefits of diversity – for individuals and teams, and in turn efficient, productive and safe patient care.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan will define the size, shape, mix and number of staff needed to deliver high quality patient care, now and into the future. This EDI improvement plan supports the Long Term Workforce Plan by improving the culture of our workplaces and the experiences of our workforce, to boost staff retention and attract diverse new talent to the NHS.The plan also supports the achievement of strategic EDI outcomes, which are to:

> Address discrimination

> Increase accountability of all leaders

> Support the levelling up agenda

> Make opportunities for progression equitable