Equality, diversity and inclusion - for staff

Staff networks

Our staff networks are managed by staff, for staff, and advocate and support diverse working. These networks offer the following for all staff:

• peer support
• safe spaces to talk
• networking
• development opportunities 

They also play a crucial role in shaping NHS Highland’s culture and employment practices.

Find out more about our staff networks.

Carer Positive status

Managing work and family life isn't always easy, especially when you have caring responsibilities. That's why we've put in place a range of family-friendly workforce policies that align with the Carer Positive standard.

We’re committed to supporting carers - many of our team members are carers themselves. We want to provide the flexibility you need to care for loved ones at home while also building a rewarding career.

We know that balancing work and caregiving can be challenging, and we're here to make it easier. Our aim is to help you find the right balance so you can thrive both at work and at home.

Find out more about unpaid carer support.

Career breaks

If you have at least 12 months of continuous NHS service, you could be eligible to take an unpaid career break. Career breaks can be used for:

• caring for a dependant
• continuing childcare following maternity or adoption leave
• returning to education
• doing voluntary work

Learn more about our Career Break Policy.

Workplace adjustments and flexible working policies

We recognised the importance of reasonable adjustments for disabled colleagues or those with long-term health conditions. Managers are encouraged to adapt standard working practices - such as specialised equipment, flexible working arrangements and support services - to assist these colleagues.

Our Flexible Work Pattern Policy offers a framework to support colleagues who need to change their work patterns. This can include:

• compressed hours
• job share
• flexi-time

Find out more about our Flexible Work Pattern Policy.

Other family-friendly policies

Our workforce policies were developed nationally in partnership with NHS Scotland employers, trade unions and the Scottish Government. They set the standard for employment practice across all NHS Scotland employers.

Family-friendly policies include:

• Adoption, Fostering and Kinship
• Career Break
• Flexible Work Location
• Maternity
• New Parent Support
• Parental Leave
• Shared Maternity and Shared Adoption
• Special Leave

Find out more about NHSScotland Workforce Policies.

Designated equality, diversity and inclusion lead

NHS Highland has a designated lead who is responsible for championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They have an important role in promoting an equitable working environment across the organisation.

email nhsh.editeam@nhs.scot

Education and training

At NHS Highland, we embed equality, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of our work. To support this commitment, NHS Education for Scotland provides a comprehensive range of educational resources for health and social care professionals across Scotland.

Find these resources on Turas Learn.

NHS Scotland Pride badge

The NHS Scotland Pride badge promotes inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and makes a statement that there’s no place for discrimination or harassment of any kind in NHS Scotland.

If they choose to, our staff can complete awareness training or make a pledge of allyship to receive a badge.  As an NHS staff member who wears the badge, you are pledging to:

• be aware of and responsive to issues faced by LGBTQ+ people accessing care
• be a friendly, listening ally who colleagues and service users can safely approach
• use inclusive language and respect identity

See more information on the Pride Badge scheme.

Our approach to anti-racism

We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation, where our work helps to eliminate racism, remove racialised inequalities and reduce racial prejudice.

NHS Highland is currently developing an anti-racism plan. These plans aim to eliminate racial inequality through: policy reform; equitable access to healthcare; and diverse representation in roles across the service.