NHS Forth Valley Equality and Diversity Advisory Team (EDAT)

NHS Forth Valley is working towards becoming an equal opportunities employer and service provider. We aim to ensure that staff, service users and carers is not subject to discrimination, bullying and/or harassment on the basis of their age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual, social background, and many other social factors which cause people to have different perspectives on the same set of facts or issues.

Human rights are central to our work, not just in terms of the legal approach, but in terms of the fundamental principles of Fairness, Respect, Equality, Dignity and Autonomy (known as the FREDA principles).

Putting human rights at the heart our work helps improve the experience and outcomes for patients, service users and staff by approaching services and decisions in a person-centred way.
To help make our commitments a reality in supporting and delivering the needs of an increasingly diverse population and workforce, EDAT was formally established on 1st April ’08.

Their role is to:

• Support staff in developing skills, knowledge and attitudes required to promote equity of access.
• Provide specialist knowledge
• Answer any queries or concerns in relation to equality issues
• Engage in a wider dialogue with diverse communities to facilitate Patient Focus Public Involvement and support planning.

Helena Buckley
Quality Manager
Helena.buckley@nhs.net
Tel No: 01786 454736

Support and advice can be given regards race/ethnicity, including interpreters and translation of information other than English. Additional information and assistance can be given if you have any concerns regarding hate incidents. Helena is also a Dignity and Respect Advisor as well as Diversity Champion.

Charlene Condeco
Disability Adviser
Charlene.condeco@nhs.net
Tel No: 01324 590892

Disability information and advice can be given as required. Specific training including Deaf Awareness, Visual Impairment Awareness, Supporting Communication, Working with an Interpreter is available from the service; please contact the above telephone number for further details.

Lynn Waddell
Equality & Diversity Project Manager  & Gender Based Violence Operational Lead:
lynn.waddell@nhs.net
Tel No: 01324 614653

Guidance and direct support can be offered with regards to all equality and diversity protected characteristics.  Lynn supports individuals and departments across the organisation, and works with a wide range of partners to develop and monitor equality and diversity initiatives around patient care and employment.