contribution that people from all sections of our society make to the healthcare system. “It is imperative for the NHS to invest in a diverse workforce that has the skills and capacity to deliver a world-class service tailored to meet the needs of a diverse patient-centred NHS.”

Professor Carol Baxter is head of equalities and diversity at NHS Employers, which was set up in 2004 to take over responsibility from the Department of Health for much of the workforce agenda, supporting and representing employers in the NHS. Carol has worked as a midwife, health visitor and health promotion specialist as well as holding senior positions in the NHS, the Department of Health and the higher education sector. Carol believes that “we need to promote model employment practices that support all staff in reaching their potential and respond to their different needs and preferences.” NHS Employers has led initiatives such as ‘Improving Working Lives’ and ‘Positively Diverse’ to promote a more inclusive working environment, free from any form of discrimination and unfair working practices.

Surinder Sharma and Carol Baxter identify four reasons why the NHS should aspire to be a good and fair employer.

Surinder Sharma

> First, there is an increasing legal requirement to do so from domestic and European legislation and case law.

> Second, from a moral standpoint, it is the right thing to do.

> Third, there are sound business reasons. Most often, the NHS is the largest local employer and is in direct competition with other employers for talent. If the NHS is to provide the best patient care and customer service, and choice within those services, then quite simply its workforce must be the best and draw on, retain and develop the talents of all communities.

> Fourth, the NHS should act as a good corporate citizen. Nationally, the NHS is the single largest employer in England, employing over 1.3

Carol Baxter

million staff; it is also a major commissioner and procurer of services. With such economic muscle, the NHS has a responsibility, along with other statutory agencies to promote cohesive and healthy local economies

Carol Baxter stresses that “the NHS should be an employer of choice that successfully recruits, retains, develops and provides best-in-class flexibility as a good employer. There should be respect and dignity for all staff and their skills and abilities. There should be clarity and transparency in human resource processes for all employees, their managers and NHS organisations as a whole. Career and personal development must be fair and open to all, where everyone has the chance to progress and personal success is celebrated.”

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