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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
The current demographics of the mental health support workforce are quite distinct from the NHS as a whole. Compared with all NHS staff, the workforce have a greater number of both Black/Black British staff and male staff.
Little is known about some other protected characteristics such as pregnancy, maternity and gender reassignment status or other demographic factors such as socioeconomic status.
Promoting a more diverse workforce can help ensure a sufficient and sustainable supply of clinical support staff.
A diverse workforce also means it is likely to be representative of communities that are particularly disadvantaged within the present system.
Having a diverse and inclusive workforce not only helps tackle health inequalities but also helps in creating a culture where everyone is valued and respected.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the disadvantages and health inequalities faced by those from different backgrounds and the NHS has committed to being an inclusive employer, with the People Plan 2020/21 setting out a vision to be an employer that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Greater diversity brings benefits such as efficient services, quality of care, meeting statutory and contractual requirements as well as workforce supply.