News

Today we are launching The Gender Equality Network. This support network is open to all staff who want to make changes to gender equality within our hospital.

 

The focus of the group is to address issues that employees are encountering around gender equality, but are not being addressed by our other staff networks.

 

These might be issues around the gender pay gap, child care or work / life balance.

 

Membership of the group is open to all KGH permanent, bank or temporary staff who have a positive interest in driving forward Gender Equality within the Trust.

 

Carol Verner is the Equality and Inclusion lead for the hospital and explains the reasons behind launching this group:

 

“We have a number of other staff equality and diversity support networks for colleagues who identify as having a protected characteristic – for example people from the BAME community and those identify as LGBTQ or those who have a disability. We were aware that there was still something missing”

 

“Women make up 74% of our workforce and so we had considered calling the group the Women’s staff network. After discussions, we felt a more gender neutral approach was needed. This is to assure that everyone’s needs are met. No matter how staff define their gender, they can join the network.”

 

“We wanted to ensure that all gender needs are met at KGH. The group will have certain agenda points. These will interest most people and will reflect issues we face on a day to day basis”

 

KGH employees may be a member of this group and one of the other staff networks; as they may want to raise something that is more relevant for the new network

 

“It might be a colleague is a member of the BAME network, but they have concerns around child-care. This could be discussed at the Gender Equality Network rather than the BAME network”.

 

To support the Gender Equality Network, three co-chairs have been recruited. The co-chairs were nominated by peers and voted into their roles; and come from different areas within the Trust and will be able to reflect these different staff groups.

 

It is hoped that as the network grows, the co-chairs can consider how the network might grow with the addition of new members.

 

“Well founded Equality Diversity and Inclusion networks show we are serious about our equality journey” says Carol.

 

The creation of staff networks have a positive impact on patients. As the understanding of our staff needs increase, this will filter through to understand the needs of our patients.

 

“We mustn’t forget that some of our staff will also be our patients; and their feedback is invaluable” adds Carol. “And don’t forget, that research shows happy staff give better care”

 

“The newly formed network will be a safe platform for staff to raise concerns and ensure that they are heard and that change can be made.”

 

If you don’t work for KGH, or the NHS, and want to set up a staff equality network, Carol’s top tips include:

 “Remember to get the right people involved to make sure the networks aren’t just a club, but are a place where change can happen.”

 

 “If you are reading this and want to develop your own network, whether it’s about gender equality, or another subject, please get in touch” says Carol. “We can share the framework that we’re using”

 

Carol and the team can be contacted via email: kgh-tr.genderequality@nhs.net