Our vision is simple: to be a leader in healthcare and trusted within our communities — by creating a positive culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
The equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) team supports our commitment to providing care and a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible for all.
How we support our patients and colleagues
Accessible communication
We are committed to the Accessible Information Standard, ensuring patients with disabilities, impairments or sensory loss receive information in formats they can understand.
We offer British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation through trusted local providers who are familiar with community needs, improving the patient experience.
Translation services
Leicester’s population is richly diverse, with over 55% from ethnic minority backgrounds. We ensure that patients who do not speak English fluently, or who use sign language, can access appropriate interpretation services. Please notify your clinic or ward in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Support for people with learning disabilities
Our acute learning disability liaison nurses provide support for patients and carers during hospital visits. They work with staff to ensure reasonable adjustments are made and act as a link between hospital and community services.
Contact: 0116 250 2809
Email: [email protected]
Multi-faith chaplaincy
Spiritual care is available to patients, families, and staff of all faiths and none. Our chaplaincy team includes representatives from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and non-religious backgrounds.
Each hospital has a Chapel and Prayer Room with washing facilities — open to everyone for quiet reflection, prayer or meditation.
Culturally appropriate menus
We cater for a wide range of cultural and dietary needs, offering:
- Multicultural and vegetarian menus
- Halal, African-Caribbean, and Kosher options
Please ask ward staff if you need help accessing the right menu.
Monitoring equality and diversity
We collect data about our patients and workforce under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure services are inclusive and fair. Protected characteristics include:
- Age
- Disability
- Ethnicity
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
This data helps us understand whether our services and employment practices meet the needs of our community — and where improvements are needed.
Key equality and diversity standards and reports
Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES)
WRES monitors ethnic disparities in staff experience and senior representation. It helps us:
- Identify and address inequalities between White and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff
- Improve representation at board level
- Take action to reduce gaps in treatment and opportunity
Key documents:
Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES)
WDES compares the experiences of disabled and non-disabled staff across 10 metrics, helping us build a fairer, more inclusive workplace.
Key documents:
Gender Pay Gap Reporting
We publish annual reports detailing the pay gap between male and female staff, as required by UK law.
Reports:
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2025
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2024
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2023
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2022
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2021
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2020
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2019
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2018
Equality delivery system (EDS2)
EDS2 helps NHS organisations review and improve equality performance across four goals:
- Better health outcomes
- Improved patient access and experience
- A representative and supported workforce
- Inclusive leadership
Accessible Information Standard (AIS)
AIS ensures that people with communication needs receive information they can understand and access. Compliance with AIS is a legal requirement, and progress is reviewed by our Equality and Diversity Board.