Vita Health Group recognise the importance that Equality, Diversity, and Inclusive practices will have in achieving its vision. We recognise that there is inequality and difference in our society and we have a role to play in challenging all forms of discrimination and minimising inequalities in the access and experience of our services.
Definitions
Equality
Ensuring everyone has access to equal opportunities, enabling them to make the most of their lives. By identifying, challenging, and addressing barriers experienced by people with protected characteristics we can ensure our services are equitable.
Diversity
Is the uniqueness of every individual. We acknowledge the benefit of having a range of perspectives & experiences within the organisation, we are committed to ensuring we are representative of the populations we serve so we can better meet the needs.
Inclusion
An equal opportunity for participation. Vita is committed to maintaining an inclusive working environment so everyone feels they belong and can perform to their full potential, no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.
Statement
We will focus on ensuring our colleagues and services users have the same opportunities, but also ensure that difference and uniqueness are viewed as a benefit to the organisation.
As an organisation striving to be an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion champion, Vita Health Group is committed to its responsibility to be an aware, accepting, respectful and understanding employer and service provider.
Zero tolerance
Vita has a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of colleagues therefore stands in solidarity with them against all forms of violence, abuse, and discrimination.
Vita challenges inappropriate behaviours and inequalities that may be experienced by colleagues and is working to review and improve its organisational framework (policies, procedures, and culture) to drive continuous improvement in this area.
Staff Networks
- WITA – A group set up to raise the profile of and champion Women across the business
- LGBTQIA+ – A platform for the community, its friends, ally’s and supporters
- Diverse Ability – A space for colleagues to explore concerns, thoughts and any issues around disabilities
- Race Equality – A network that creates a safe space for racially minoritized colleagues
- Carers – A peer support group for those with caring responsibilities
- Faith – A network focussed on issues around faith and religion
EDI Quality Measures and Indicators
Equality Delivery System
The Equality Delivery System (EDS) is an equality improvement tool used across the NHS. Our latest report can be found here.
Workforce Race Equality Standard
Focused action plans seek to reduce inequalities year on year as data is gathered, analysed and published. Vita began participating in the WRES in 2020.
Workforce Disability Equality Standard
A set of ten specific measures (metrics) which enables NHS and provider organisations to compare the workplace and career experiences of disabled and non-disabled staff. Vita began participating in the WDES in 2022.
Speaking Up
As a company we want to know when things go wrong, ensure that lessons are learnt and opportunities to make improvements for colleagues, service users and customers are not missed.
Gender Pay Gap
The Gender Pay Gap shows the difference in average pay between women and men, across an entire organisation regardless of their role.
Disability Confident Employer
We are proud to have achieved the Disability Confident Employer status and be contributing towards this important voluntary UK government initiative.
Patient Carer Race Equality Framework
Across England ethnically and culturally diverse groups face barriers to access mental health services.
Sexual Safety
Vita Health Group are committed to raising awareness of sexual harassment, preventing it and protecting its colleagues from harm.
Vita Health Group is actively seeking to increase the diversity of its workforce, to ensure we are representative of the communities we serve.
The results of a recent member survey highlighted the impact of the networks, scoring positively on several measures. The main benefits of being part of diversity network were cited as a positive impact on wellbeing through accessing peer support and ability to influence the company policy and procedure. Further feedback from network members included:
“I feel the networks are a great addition”
“Much positivity has emerged from this group for individual members and for Vita as a whole”
“Thanks to this network I feel supported, needs that have not been met or even recognised are now accepted as normal”
“…I think the networks and groups are fantastic and are a real asset to VHG”
For more information click here.
NHS Quality Account – EDI statement
Solidarity Statement
Patient Commitment Statement
Memberships and Accreditations
