Reports (gender pay gap reports & RES/DES)
We’re committed to cultivating a culture of equity and inclusion
At County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), our workforce is at the heart of everything we do, and we value the skills, perspectives, and backgrounds that our colleagues bring to the team. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected and empowered.
Our goal is to build a workplace that reflects the richness of diverse experiences and perspectives, and where all colleagues have the opportunity to thrive.
Below are some of the ways we continue to support the creation of inclusive spaces through the activities listed
Staff network groups
Our staff network groups continue to provide our staff with an opportunity to share their voices in a safe and supportive space. They play a vital role in driving change at CDDFT by contributing lived experiences, feedback, and suggestions to help us become a more inclusive employer.
In addition, each network group sets its own goals and objectives every year, which are achieved through collaboration with its members.
Our current staff Network groups include:
- LGBTQ+ Staff Network Group
- Disability and Long-Term Conditions Staff Network Group
- Unity and Ethnic Diversity Staff Network Group
- Faith Staff Network Group
Inspiring inclusion campaign
We understand the importance of embracing diversity in the workplace. That’s why we launched our Inspire Inclusion campaign, which encourages staff members to share their diversity information on our Electronic Staff Record (ESR). By sharing this information, we can build a more inclusive workplace and gain a clearer picture of the diverse workforce we are proud to support.
In addition, the campaign aims to create a safe environment for colleagues to share information about disabilities and other aspects of their identity in the workplace. We achieve this through visible leadership, as well as stories and lived experiences shared by others. By doing so, we help build a safer and more inclusive workplace where all staff can thrive.
Disability Confident Leader
CDDFT is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader as part of the UK Disability Confident Scheme.
Statistics show that approximately one in three working-age adults in the UK consider themselves to have a disability or long-term health condition and this number continues to rise. This highlights the importance of employers creating workplaces that are accessible, supportive, and inclusive for all. At CDDFT, we recognise that disability can be visible or non-visible and that every individual’s experience is unique. By embedding accessibility and inclusion into our culture, policies, and everyday practices, we aim not only to remove barriers but also to create opportunities for colleagues to thrive. In doing so, CDDFT is committed to leading the way as an employer that confidently delivers meaningful support and champions equity across our workforce.
NHS Rainbow Badge initiative
The badge itself is intended to be a simple visual symbol identifying its wearer as someone who a LGBTQ+ person can feel comfortable talking to about issues relating to sexuality or gender identity. It shows that the wearer is there to listen without judgement and signpost to further support if needed. We continue to promote the NHS Rainbow Badge pledge with over 300 badge wearers within the workforce providing this allyship to both staff and patients.
Chaplaincy service
Our chaplaincy team provide a wide range of services to both our patients and staff and form part of support towards creating an inclusive workplace for all staff. Our Trust chaplains are specialist in their field and regularly provide learning and resources to the workforce as well as hosting our Trust Faith Staff Network Group. Chaplains are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for staff and patients, to offer support, to help with reflection on challenging dilemmas, or simply as someone to listen and as a shoulder to cry on.
You can contact the chaplaincy service by email: cdda-tr.