Workforce Disability Equality Standard Regional Engagement - Newcastle

What is the Workforce Disability Equality Standard?

The Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) will provide a self-assessment framework for NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts in relation to the employment of disabled people. A set of metrics are being developed that will assist NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts to better understand the specific challenges they face in ensuring disabled staff are treated equally and are supported to fulfil their full potential. The WDES is designed to help to address inequalities related to disability in employment. It also seeks to advance disability equality in employment.

The purpose of the engagement event

NHS England is holding a series of regional engagement events which will provide participants with information about the WDES. Participants will be consulted on the proposals for the WDES Metrics and the indicative timetable for the publication of the WDES. Specifically, feedback will be sought on:

• the benefits and how to address any challenges;
• the NHS Staff Survey’s wording in relation to disability;
• the time required to respond to the new metrics;
• key evidence for what is called the ‘burden assessment process’, particularly the time required to respond to the new metrics and any data protection or confidentiality issues raised by the proposed metrics;
• the proposed reporting cycle for 2018/19 and onwards (from August 2019 and subsequent years).

The event is an opportunity to provide feedback on the WDES and draft metrics and how they can be implemented. It will also provide an opportunity to meet colleagues from across the NHS, strengthen networks and hear about best practice in relation to workforce disability equality.

This one of six event that are being held in regional locations in March. Please select one of the alternative events in Leeds, Bristol, Cambridge, London and Birmingham if the locations and dates are more convenient for you.

Target audience

The event is aimed at NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts and a range of other agencies. From NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, we particularly welcome those with a lead responsibility for workforce disability equality, including:

• HR, Organisational Development or Workforce Leads;
• Board members, Non-Executive Directors and VSM (very senior staff members);
• members of Disabled Staff Networks and Equality Networks;
• members of Disabled Trade Union Networks;
• Equality and Diversity Leads.

From other partners, we particularly welcome:

• members of Arms Length Bodies (ALBs);
• Equality or workforce leads from NHS National Trade Unions;
• members of the NHS Equality Diversity Council (EDC).

Booking and registration

Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Registration and refreshments from 9.30am. Please arrive on time, for a prompt start at 10:00am. 

The NHS’s booking system works best in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers. If you use Internet Explorer you may experience issues confirming your place. If you are unable to use a different web browser, please contact england.WDES@nhs.net for assistance.

Access requirements

We have tried to ensure that all our venues are accessible and easy to find. Newcastle will have live captioning and there will be a hearing loop in place. If you would like BSL interpretation or any other reasonable adjustment, please contact us at england.wdes@nhs.netat least five working days before the event. If we do not receive advance notification, we may not be able to meet your requirements. You will receive an e-mail confirming any agreed reasonable adjustments or other key requirements. Please e-mail us no less than 3 days before the event if you have not received confirmation that your needs can be met.

Dietary requirements

During the course of this event we will be serving, tea, coffee, biscuits, fruit and a buffet lunch.

If you have any allergies and or specific dietary requirements, please contact the EHI team at england.wdes@nhs.net, please ensure that you give at least five days notice before the event.

Travelling to the venue

By car

From the North (A1)

Turn off the A1 signposted City Centre A695. Follow the City Centre A695 signs along the Scotswood Road into the City Centre one way system. Turn right onto Westgate Road and bear left onto Collingwood Street. At the traffic lights, filter right, past the cathedral on your left. Immediately after the Castle Keep (before the High Level Bridge) turn left into Castle Garth, the Hotel lies straight in front of you.

From the West (A69)

Proceed along the A69 until you reach the first major roundabout. Turn right onto the A1 (Signposted City Centre (A695). Remain in the filter lane and leave the A1 immediately, signposted A695. Follow instructions as from the North above.

From the South (A1)

Proceed along the A1 (new Western Bypass). Turn off to Gateshead, signposted, A184 Gateshead Town Centre. Follow the signs A184 Gateshead Town Centre then take A189 across the Redheugh Bridge. Follow A189 up St. James Boulevard and stay in right hand lane. At traffic lights turn right onto Westgate Road and bear left onto Collingwood Street. At traffic lights filter right passing cathedral on your left. Immediately after the Castle Keep (before High Level Bridge). Turn left into Castle Garth. The Hotel is straight in front of you.

Walking from Newcastle Central Railway Station

Leave the station and walk east on Neville Street / A186 towards Westgate Road (0.1 mi). Now turn right onto Westgate Road / A186 (0.1 mi) and then take another right onto St Nicholas' Street (197 ft). Turn left onto Castle Garth (200 ft), veer slightly left to stay on Castle Garth and The Vermont will be on the right. This is estimated as a 7 minuite walk by Google.

Questions about this event?

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