Members of the Disability Staff Network at UHMBT who work together to create a supportive working environment and policy framework for colleagues with a disability while also encouraging all staff within the Trust to understand the needs of individuals with a disability within the community.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) has won a place in the top ten of the UK’s most inclusive employers for the fourth year running – and has been recognised as the most inclusive NHS organisation in the country.

This year UHMBT has been ranked tenth in the coveted ‘Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list’ and was shortlisted in the ‘Diversity Network of the Year’ category. The Trust was ranked seventh in 2018, eighth in 2017 and eleventh in 2016.

The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers scheme highlights leading organisations working in all areas of diversity. It provides a definitive list of UK-based organisations which promote inclusion across all protected characteristics throughout each level of employment within an organisation.

Karmini McCann, Assistant Director of Workforce: Inclusion and Diversity, said: “We are thrilled to be placed in the top 10 for the third year running – and for our Disability Staff Network to have been shortlisted in the ‘Diversity Network of the Year’ category.

“It is fantastic to receive recognition of the hard work and dedication of so many people across our organisation for improving the experience of colleagues and patients from different groups.  

“Participation in the Inclusive Top 50 programme enables us to share experiences and learn from leaders in the diversity and inclusion field. Becoming truly inclusive is at the heart of our approach to creating a Great Place to be Cared For; Great Place to Work for every individual.”

David Wilkinson, Director of People and Organisational Development at UHMBT, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured that we have yet again been identified as one of the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers.

“This achievement is a testament to the continued efforts of our colleagues who endeavour to make our Trust a better place to work and a better place to be cared for. Our ambition is to keep attracting and retaining a truly diverse workforce. This achievement helps to show that we are still on the right track. Well done to everyone involved!”

Gillian Day, Inclusion and Diversity Advisor at UHMBT, said: “We are delighted to have been named the most inclusive NHS organisation in the UK. This shines a spotlight on all of the work we have been doing to make our Trust continuously more inclusive.

“Significant work has taken place over the last few years to help improve the experience of our workforce including the development of our Disability, Black Minority Ethnic (BME), Forces, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual (LGBT), Gender Equality, Disability and other staff networks.

“We have also worked to embed our Behavioural Standards Framework into the UHMBT culture as well as ensuring that all staff how they should be treating colleagues and how they should expect to be treated. We now hope to build on these successes and develop even more opportunities for staff to contribute to policies and working practices.”