Questions and Answers   

We have collated the most asked questions with appropriate answers in the following section. 

About Silkap>>    About general diversity and equality>>   Ethnicity monitoring>>

Common questions from NHS organisations>>

ABOUT SILKAP

Why Silkap ? 
 

We are passionate about our work and equality and work in partnership with you, using our team resources and professional networks to achieve the best outcome for the project. We deliver on time and work to a high standard, paying attention to the little details which are important to you.

For more information (click here)

What services do you offer ? 
 

`Our Services' provide more information and examples of the work we have done. ’Our Clients’ will give you information about who we have worked with.

ABOUT GENERAL DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY  

Surely equality is about treating everyone equally?  

Everyone is not equal in the real world and attempting to treat everyone in the same way would ignore their differences and individual needs. Treating everyone the same way may mean that you indirectly discriminate against certain groups, as the procedures, systems and methods of service delivery may inadvertently create barriers or obstacles for certain groups.

Organisations that take this approach often ask the question why some groups do not use their services or apply for their jobs, when ‘they treat everyone the same’

What is valuing diversity?

Valuing diversity is about developing an organisational culture and practices that:

•  Give credibility to different norms and lifestyles.

• Acknowledge and respond to the needs of different communities.

•  Respect different cultures and identities.

Valuing diversity recognises the added value that a diverse workforce can bring. It keeps the organisation ‘fresh’ and ‘in touch’. It brings different experiences, new perspectives, enables greater flexibility to respond to local needs and change, enhances the credibility of the organisation and promotes a positive image.
 

Why is diversity and equality important to my business ?

Managing diversity effectively, is pivotal to succeeding as a modern, growing organisation.  The evidence of inequalities and discrimination within health and social and community care organisations is now too overwhelming to ignore and has influenced a range of national policies that form part of the Government’s modernisation programme.

Managing diversity will also help you to:

•  deliver sensitive and appropriate services.

• understand and respond to customers needs better.

•  be innovative and creative in how you meet different needs.

• be flexible in how you respond to change.

• manage employee retention and satisfaction.

• improve team working

• achieve a positive work-life balance.

• remain up to date with good practice.

ETHNICITY MONITORING

Does the law require employers to keep ethnic records? 

Although ethnic records are not obligatory under the Race Relations Act of 1976, the legislation does place the responsibility for providing equitable services and equality of opportunity for job applicants and employees primarily with the employer. Ethnic records are an important tool in fulfilling this responsibility. Ethnicity monitoring helps to identify where discrimination many be occurring in service provision and other employment practices that may be in need of improvement.   The Race Relations Amendment Act (2000) makes it a requirement for public bodies to develop a Race Equality Scheme (Action Plan).  Implicit within the objectives for the scheme is the need for effective organisation and management of services that will; eliminate unlawful discrimination, promote equality of opportunity; and promote good race relations between people of different racial groups.

Since we treat everybody equally anyway, won’t ethnic record-keeping be a totally unnecessary exercise? 

Without the information provided by ethnic records it is virtually impossible for employers to assess realistically whether or not people are being racially discriminated against in their establishment. Given the Policy Studies Institute’s (PSI) finding that as many as a third of private employers discriminate directly against Asian and Afro-Caribbean job applicants, no major employer can reasonably be satisfied that direct or indirect discrimination is not occurring. Industrial tribunals have shown that even where a senior manager, personally, is not discriminating, some of his or her employees may be operating their own informal racial barriers against ethnic minority job applicants or employees seeking promotion etc.

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM NHS ORGANISATIONS

Why is user and carer involvement important to the NHS? 

The targets in the NHS Modernisation plan bring best practice a step closer towards placing the needs and wishes of the citizen and user higher on NHS Trusts’ agendas. Initiatives such as Health Action Zones, Healthy Living Centres and strategies such as Health Improvement Programmes, also provide a clear message that NHS bodies need to demonstrate how they are engaged with and involve patients and local communities. They do this by identifying local needs and in shaping the delivery of improved patient care. 

Whilst government directives require some action, patient and public involvement needs to be an organisational priority, which is apparent for example, in the way staff  describe and promote their services, in the delivery of care to patients and in interactions they have with the general public. 

The Government has introduced structural changes that require the NHS to establish mechanisms to involve service users in the planning and decision making within the NHS. The Commission for Patient and Public in Health and Patients Forums are now being introduced by all NHS bodies to lead to development of user and care involvement and to ensure that services are developed.
 

Why should we prioritise health inequalities in our work? 

Focusing on health inequalities will support you in delivering:

• The NHS Plan

• National Service Frameworks

• Clinical Governance

• Your local Race Equality Scheme

It will also assist you to comply with relevant legislation such as:

• The Race Relations (Amendment ) Act

• Disability Discrimination Act

• The Human Rights Act

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