Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. All staff, patients and visitors to the Trust can expect to be treated with dignity and respect and we will not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination or victimisation.
The Trust has a set of equality information initiatives that demonstrates our commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and tackling discrimination in access to health services, and in the way our staff are treated.
Staff Networks
Staff networks work in partnership with the Trust to create a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment that encourages a culture of respect and equality for everyone, in order that every individual can reach their full potential without fear of discrimination. The networks also give staff the have the opportunity to network and provide development opportunities for all of its members.
The Trust is committed to working with staff on equality initiatives that benefit, not only its internal employees through increased awareness and education, but also improves patient care and ultimately makes a significant contribution to society as a whole.
Building a Multicultural Environment (BAME)
The primary objective of the Building a Multicultural Environment Network is to create a safe and confidential space for our Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff to openly discuss issues that impact them. This network provides a secure environment where BAME colleagues can socialize, engage intellectually, and most importantly, advocate for racial equality within the Trust while celebrating cultural and religious differences.
PROUD @ MWL (LGBTIQ+)
The network provides a space for LGBT+ employees to support each other, promote a better understanding of inclusion and giving employees a critical voice. It promotes a better understanding of LGBT+ inclusion and makes LGBT+ experiences more visible in the wider organisation. This can empower all employees to set up as allies and improve workplace culture for everyone within the organisation.
Abilities @ MWL (Disability & Neurodivergent)
The network is a space for individuals with Disabilities and for those wanting to learn more to come together and offer support to each other. The network aims to make sure that our Trust is a safe and inclusive environment for people with different disabilities, and to encourage all staff to understand the needs of different individuals.
Armed Forces Community
Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant, achieving the Employers Recognition Scheme Gold award and being a Step into Health advocate, the network provides support to the Armed Forces community. The network invites Veterans, Reservists, those that work with cadets or who have close family members that are serving, the opportunity to network, ask questions and find out about how the Trust is supporting the Armed Forces.
Carers
The Network is for members of staff that are unpaid carers. The network provides a friendly environment to meet with others and have a chat about any issues you may be facing. The network links in with HWWB to run workshops and offer support if you need it.
Menopause
We encourage everyone to come along to one of our informal Network Meetings to find out how you can take care of yourself, your partners, family members, staff and colleagues during this phase of life. The Network meets alternate months, and we encourage a variety of guest speakers and discussion.
Women's Group
The Women’s Group is a network of MWL women that meet every month to offer support, guidance and mentorship to each other. The network is open to anyone who identifies as a women and works, volunteers or is a student at MWL.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
Disability
Access to the Disability Guaranteed Interview scheme simply requires an applicant with a disability to:
- Show that they meet the essential criteria described in the person specification
- Answer ‘yes’ to the question on the Trust’s job application form ‘do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?’
Our Recruitment Team will provide assistance to any applicant with a disability who needs help in completing an application for employment. The team’s contact details can be found on each job vacancy advert.
The scheme only guarantees an interview – it does not automatically mean that applicants interviewed will gain employment with the Trust at that time. Feedback on the results of the interview will be given to each candidate individually and in a way which the candidate has agreed best meets their personal needs.
Veterans, Reservists, Cadets Volunteers
Any veteran who opts into the scheme and meets the minimum criteria required for a role will be guaranteed to move to the next stage of selection, such as an interview.
The scheme is designed to encourage more veterans to join the Trust when they leave the armed forces ensuring Mersey and West Lancashire NHS Trust fully benefits from the wide ranging skills and talents in the armed forces community. It will also boost the employment prospects of those who have served, helping them to advance their careers beyond the armed forces.
How to apply under the scheme?
- Show that they meet the essential criteria described in the person specification
- Answer ‘yes’ to the question on the Trust’s job application form ‘do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?’