Equality, diversity and human rights: NHSScotland PIN policy

1 Introduction

1.1 The Equality and Human Rights Commission defines 'equality' as 'ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents, and believing that no one should have poorer life chances because of where, what or whom they were born, or because of other characteristics'.

1.2 The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development defines 'managing diversity' as 'valuing everyone as an individual', recognising that a 'one-size-fits all' approach to managing people does not achieve fairness and the right to equality of opportunity for everyone, given that people have different personal needs, values and beliefs.

1.3 The Equality and Human Rights Commission defines 'human rights' as 'the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. They ensure people can live freely and that they are able to flourish, reach their potential and participate in society. They ensure that people are treated fairly and with dignity and respect. You have human rights simply because you are human and they cannot be taken away.'

1.4 The NHS Healthcare Quality Strategy^[6] commits to ensuring health services are responsive to everyone who needs them. It is framed around three Quality Ambitions: safe, effective and person-centred care. The core values that underpin human rights are embedded in this strategy, demonstrating how providing high quality care is dependent upon respect for human rights.

1.5 This PIN policy aims to further the development of a culture which promotes equality, values diversity and recognises the human rights of those working within NHSScotland. It includes a model policy on equality, diversity and human rights for use by Boards. Whilst Boards may wish to develop their own local policy, they must ensure that any such local policy is developed and agreed in partnership and that it either meets or exceeds the provisions within this PIN policy.