CPFT is committed to the development of an organisational culture that promotes equality and celebrates diversity. As a public authority it has a legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to promote equality for nine protected characteristics, which are:

• Race
• Gender
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Religion and belief
• Age
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnerships

We are committed to meeting our duties under the legislation but also to go beyond and develop world-class services that take into account the individual needs of our members.

CPFT is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse community it serves, enabling it deliver quality mental health services to the community. Everyone that works with the Trust or uses its services can expect to be treated with respect and dignity, and have their personal, cultural and spiritual needs taken into account. In this way CPFT is able to deliver quality care and services whilst giving the service users the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Equality is not about treating everyone the same, it is about ensuring that access to opportunities are available to all by taking account of people’s differing needs and capabilities.
Diversity is about recognising and valuing differences through inclusion, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial origin, religion, belief, sexual orientation, Marital status, commitments outside of work, part-time or shift work, language, union activity, HIV status, perspectives, opinions and person value etc.

Equality Delivery System

CPFT, like other NHS organisations, aims to work towards its equality agenda by implementing the national Equality Delivery System (EDS) Framework. The EDS requires us to collect evidence and develop clear and realistic objectives based on that evidence. Furthermore, to make sure we do this, we will be graded by our members and our local partners in the government and other NHS organisations.

More information on the EDS can be found here.

If you have any comments or suggestions on the our approach to equality and diversity please e-mail Irfaan Arif (Equality and Diversity officer).

Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2010-11

The Equality and Diversity Annual Report, attached right, helps meet our legislative duties of the public sector equality duty. It provides an overview of our activities around equality and diversity while publishing the required staff and patient profiles. If you have any questions about the report please contact Irfaan Arif (Equality and Diversity Officer) on irfaan.arif@cpft.nhs.uk or call 07931 709981.