Equality, diversity and inclusion

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.

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.

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

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:

Equality delivery system (EDS2)

EDS2 helps NHS organisations review and improve equality performance across four goals:

  1. Better health outcomes
  2. Improved patient access and experience
  3. A representative and supported workforce
  4. 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.

EDI Strategy 2025-2030 (400kB pdf)

    We do not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind at UHL – towards colleagues or patients. This includes, but is not limited to, racism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexism, ageism, religious discrimination, and any other prejudiced behaviour that undermines the rights, wellbeing and identity of our staff, and patients. Discriminatory behaviours, whether overt or subtle, through language, exclusion, stereotyping, or barriers to opportunity – will not be tolerated.

    We will act decisively to prevent and respond to all forms of discrimination across our organisation.

    UHL is committed to being an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory organisation, guided by the Race Health Observatory’s Seven Principles for Anti-Racism in the NHS. We recognise that people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, women, LGBTQ+ communities and people of faith can face unfair treatment. We are determined to change this. 

    Our commitment is not just words – it’s built into our policies, culture and leadership.

    Every colleague helps make UHL a place where fairness and respect are part of daily life. Our pledge encourages staff to: 

    • Live our values – compassionate, inclusive, proud, one team 
    • Be aware of personal bias and keep learning 
    • Listen, speak up and act against discrimination 
    • Use and promote inclusive language 

    Contact details

    [email protected]