The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has become the first NHS hospital in Essex to sign up to a new anti-racism charter.
PAHT has signed the anti-racism charter, developed by trade union representative UNISON, at a special ceremony that commits the hospital to a range of pledges designed to prevent racial bias.
The charter includes championing a racially diverse workforce, having a clear programme of anti-racist initiatives and providing equality and inclusion training sessions for all staff.
The hospital will also report on their ethnicity pay gaps and monitor disciplinary processes to ensure that all outcomes are fair.
Managers and staff at the signing ceremony also signed pledge cards committing to tackling racism, including being an ally to Black colleagues, educating themselves on racial bias and being supportive to Black colleagues.
PAHT director of strategy and estates Michael Meredith and UNISON Eastern regional secretary Tim Roberts
UNISON eastern regional organiser Daphne Lewis said: “This charter means PAHT is making a firm commitment to tackling discrimination in all its forms.
“This will not only improve the experiences of Black staff, but lead to fairer and better workplaces, helping improve the quality of services for the people of Harlow.”
PAHT chief executive Lance McCarthy said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with UNISON and signing up to their anti-racism charter.
“At PAHT, we are extremely passionate about equality and inclusion for all of our people and the charter is a big step to ensuring that all of our colleagues feel that they belong.
“A huge thank you to UNISON for introducing this initiative that will help to bring change and support many of our people.”
