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North East Ambulance Service has been named as one of the top performing organisations in the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (ENEI) TIDE assessment for 2024 for its work and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Over the last year, the service has boosted access to its information via a new website, improved access to its service for BSL (British Sign Language) users and reached hundreds of people in diverse communities with information about the service. As well as how to deliver CPR and use defibrillators. Internally, it’s also invested in more resources in supporting its diverse workforce.
The Trust, which employs more than 3,400 people, has maintained its ‘gold award’ for the fourth year running and is one of only 25 organisations nationally to achieve this status in 2024.
The assessment rewards the Trust’s efforts to engage more diverse employees and patients as well as recognising improvements made to services and employment practices.
“I am really proud of our commitment and work on diversity and inclusion, this is an area of work I think is vital to healthy and effective organisations. I’m also happy to see the Trust recognised by ENEI as a GOLD employer for the fourth consecutive year. This demonstrates our support and commitment to this agenda.
Helen Ray, Chief Executive Officer, NEAS.
Over the last year some of this work has included delivering a board and manager inclusive leadership programme across the Trust, recruiting higher levels of people from diverse backgrounds making the service more representative of the communities it serves and exceeding mandated and statutory obligations in relation to diversity and inclusion.
“Over recent years, our regions demographic has changed and it’s great to see that this is being reflected in the people that apply and secure work in our organisation and represent us on the frontline. We must continue to change an adapt as an employer to ensure we embrace these changes and realise the benefits this inclusive organisations bring.”
More information is available in the annual report on the website.
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