Promoting equality and diversity is a vital concern in health and social care, and an issue that continues to gain recognition. Quality health and social care should be available for all people, regardless of background, lifestyle, or ability. Ensuring inclusion means recognising and appreciating diversity, while treating all people equally and fairly.
Improving diversity and promoting inclusive practice makes health and social care stronger and better. Differences should be celebrated, rather than overlooked. In this blog, we’ll discuss some key tips for promoting diversity in health and social care.
Discrimination in health and social care is when a person receiving care is treated differently, often worse, based on their lifestyle, background, or ability. Equality is a growing concern in health and social care, as more people from diverse backgrounds speak up about bad experiences. The need for care doesn’t discriminate, so those providing care should not discriminate either.
The Equality Act 2010 was designed to protect individuals against discrimination based on certain characteristics such as sex, race, religion, age, or disability. In health and social care, that means these characteristics should make no difference to the level of service given. But it also means recognising how we must adapt care to meet the needs of the individual, and understand how diversity influences the type of care given.
None of us can truly know another person's experience, but one of the best ways to promote understanding and diversity in healthcare is to hire from diverse backgrounds. Or, to ensure no applicant is overlooked because of their background.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a role in health and social care, we can help you out.
Diversity training often focuses on direct interactions with patients and those receiving care. While this is incredibly important, it shouldn’t be the sole focus of diversity and inclusivity. Every level of the organisation, including the decision-making at the top, should be implementing policies that promote diversity.
Consider what might be preventing diversity and equal access, and remove these barriers. This needs to happen from the top down, to make sure that inclusive practices are built into the framework of the organisation.
No person is perfect, and we can all learn more about diversity and inclusive practices. Take the time to educate yourself, so that you can better educate others.
It’s essential that everyone understands the importance of equal treatment as soon as they enter the organisation. If you don’t have an Equality and Diversity Policy, create one! And if you do have one, make sure to regularly read and review it.
During training, it’s vital to ensure that staff don’t just read the policy, but understand it and commit to it.
Regular refresher training should respond to our growing understanding of equality and diversity. Part of an inclusive workplace is recognising mistakes and growing from them. This means taking note of areas of the equality and diversity training that can be refined and updated, responding to feedback, and encouraging communication.
Customised treatments ensure that we respond with what’s in an individual's best interests. Creating a tailored care plan allows us to respond directly to an individual, as an individual. This means considering their requirements and expectations, as well as appreciating the diversity of people receiving health and social care. Diversity isn’t something to be ignored, but something to be welcomed.
People rarely like to be told that they’ve got things wrong, but asking for feedback can be one of the best ways to grow an inclusive health care practice. Ask, listen, and respond to feedback, even if it’s negative.
Diversity and inclusion will continue to be a key theme in health and social care. Find out how you can be a part of positive change by contacting Kent Care Professionals, and discovering your path into care work.
As part of the development of recruitment around the care sector in Kent - Kent Care Professionals have a number of roles live and readily available now. Please click here to search for those roles and apply for your next step in social care in Kent.
