The principles of equality, diversity and inclusion
Sub-Topic 1
Skills
Below are the skills in this Sub-Topic:
- I am able to work colleagues, services users/patients and their families in a non-judgemental way, recognising and valuing differences.
- I am able to behave in a way which promotes equality and recognises the diverse populations I work with including services users, patients and their families, as well as my colleagues.
Advanced Skills
These skills are designed to assist with career, role and personal development. These should be considered once you are confident in the relevant skills above.
- I am able to support communities I work with to develop a culture which promotes equality and diversity.
- I will look for ways to reduce inequalities by working with communities, service users and other agencies in an integrated approach.
Overview
Health and social care organisations incorporate the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into their objectives, making every effort to eliminate discrimination, create equal opportunities, develop good working relationships between different people and ensure staff feel valued and accepted by their colleagues, without having to “conform”.
The Equality Act 2010 sets out the legal framework which organisations should operate within and identifies the characteristics which are protected by law from discrimination.
Cultural context affects how communities of people will talk about mental health. This context may impact on how service users will access services, seek out support and how they may choose to communicate. Diversity and difference hold distinct meanings for different people. It is essential to consider the service users background, social class, migration status, financial background, religious/racial beliefs etc and what support system they have available to them.
Why is this importantWhy is this important
It is important to understand the principles underpinning equality, diversity and inclusion policies and ask questions if you don’t understand. Being included within your workplace leads to feeling valued, accepted and included regardless of your background. This is the same for service users and their families. They want to feel valued and accepted.
Understanding how cultural backgrounds may not make everyone feel included, or treated equally when accessing services, seeking out support, information or advice is a crucial part of working in these services. There may be stigmas attached to specific organisations/institutions and health inequalities may promote the feeling of exclusion. There may also be stigma attached to a person’s diagnosis which they may be aware of and feel it impacts on their desire to recover. A service user’s background can also impact on how they are supported with diagnosis, treatment, care and recovery plans.
Skills ReviewSkills Review
Having completed this sub-topic I will understand the importance of these skills.
- I am able to work colleagues, services users/patients and their families in a non-judgemental way, recognising and valuing differences.
- I am able to behave in a way which promotes equality and recognises the diverse populations I work with including services users, patients and their families, as well as my colleagues.