Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, inclusion

Our commitment

At Devon Partnership NHS Trust, we are committed to treating everyone fairly, being inclusive and valuing the diversity of everyone we work with and support.

We believe equality and inclusion should be part of everything we do - not just because the law says so, but because it's the right thing to do. Everyone who uses our services or works with us should feel safe, respected and supported to be themselves.

Race Equality Code logo We were an early adopter of the Race Equality Code and, in 2023, successfully achieved the Quality Watermark. A Race Action Plan was provided to the Trust alongside the Watermark, and we continue to ensure that all actions within the Race Equality Code are considered and implemented.

By listening to a wide range of voices and welcoming different experiences, we can give better care and create a more positive place to work.

We are working to ensure our services are accessible and welcoming to people from all backgrounds. That includes recognising and responding to individual characteristics such as:

age
disability
gender
marital status
pregnancy and maternity
race
religion or belief
sex
sexual orientation

Recognising individual needs

We understand that personal situations such as being a carer, speaking another language, or working different hours can affect how people access and experience care and work. We take these things into account too.

We have seven well-established staff networks, where colleagues come together in safe, welcoming, peer-led spaces. These networks provide insight, support and guidance that help us improve our workplace culture and the experiences of both staff and patients.

We want all our staff to feel confident speaking up against unfair treatment and to help build an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. Understanding and respecting each other helps us all work better together.

Everyone - whether a colleague, patient, visitor, carer or member of the public - has a role in promoting fairness and inclusion and standing up to discrimination. When we work together, we make our Trust a kinder, safer and more respectful place for all.

Treating people equally doesn't mean treating everyone the same. It means making sure everyone has the right support and opportunities based on their individual needs.

If you have any questions about equality, diversity and inclusion at our Trust, please contact dpn-tr.equality@nhs.net

Equality monitoring

Equality monitoring involves collecting information about patients' protected characteristics - such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex and sexual orientation - to better understand needs, reduce inequalities and ensure everyone's voice is heard. Our aim is to provide inclusive and accessible services for all.

How do we use your information?

The collected helps us:

Provide personalised care
Remove barriers and improve access to services
Understand community needs and identify service gaps
Assess service usage
Support reporting requirements (using anonymised data)
Inform future service development

Why is equality monitoring important?

By sharing this information, you help us to:

Tailor care to your needs
Identify and address unfair treatment or barriers to accessing services and inform improvements

You can choose 'prefer not to say' for any question. Sharing your details helps us support you and others across Devon more effectively

When and how do I complete the form?

The form is usually sent with appointment letters or provided at the first appointment. You should bring the completed form to your first appointment, or complete it later if you prefer.

Where is the information stored?

Your information is stored securely and confidentially, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018. You can update or withdraw it at any time by speaking with your healthcare worker.

Who can I speak to if I have questions?

Contact your healthcare worker or relevant service with questions about the form.
For alternative formats or languages, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at dpt.pals@nhs.net or 01392 675686.
For questions about equality, diversion and inclusion, email dpn-tr.equality@nhs.net.

How sharing your information helps:

Sharing your information can lead to real improvements in care.

I am prescribed medication as a result of a disability. This medication is not commonly prescribed, but commonly used illegally and was therefore an exclusionary factor for accessing services. After sharing my data, not only could I access the service, the department received training and the Trust is working on specific policies to improve accessibility for those prescribed this medication. - Expert by Experience

Another patient in our Older Person's Mental Health service said they felt respected when asked about their sexual orientation:
Services usually don't ask because of my age.

Thanks to people sharing their information, services like TALKWORKS and the Bristol Dementia Service have become more inclusive and better at meeting people's needs.