EFD homepage > Media centre > The Disability Standard 2007 > NHS commitment to disability grows
2 November
NHS commitment to disability grows
The NHS shows a growing commitment to disability equality, according to a report published today by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).
The results of the Disability Standard 2007 benchmarking survey show the NHS to be setting goals to enable disabled people to reach their full potential in employment.
Results also show that the NHS is making efforts to understand the requirements of disabled people who use their services, particularly in relation to the development of their Disability Equality Schemes, published last year.
Key findings from the Disability Standard include:
- An average of 72% of NHS trusts have carried out research to establish the extent to which disabled people are accessing the services they provide.
- An average of 87% of trusts use this information to review and adjust their Disability Equality Schemes.
Caroline Leon, Employers' Forum on Disability key projects manager said: “It is encouraging that the NHS Trusts that took part in the Disability Standard are conducting research with disabled service users and using the results of this research to review and adjust their Disability Equality Schemes.
“It is important that these organisations continue to measure the impact of their actions on disabled people and ensure disability equality across the organisation.”
Steve Barnett, CEO of NHS Employers, says: “As the UK's largest public body employing 1.3 million people, it is essential that the NHS works proactively to promote equality for those with disabilities. We are therefore delighted that NHS Employers scored highly for its motivation and commitment to laying the foundations for long-term culture change.
“As a recent appointee to the Employers' Forum on Disability board, NHS Employers will be well-placed to share and learn best practice in this important area from other organisations and will continue to work hard to raise standards across the disability agenda.”
Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD says: “We want all businesses and organisations to understand the need to adopt disability as a business issue.
“Becoming disability confident will benefit NHS trusts as well as the disabled people they serve and employ.”
The Benchmark Survey is sponsored by Motability Operations.
Ends
The results of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 will be released in full at the 'Benchmark for action' conference and reception, hosted by HM Treasury, London, on 2 November.
For interviews, case studies or a copy of the full Employers' Forum Disability Standard report please contact:
Issy RulePR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers.
With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 25 per cent of the UK workforce.
Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.
About the Disability Standard
The Disability Standard is the only management tool that enables organisations to accurately measure their performance on disability, in every way it affects the business, and to put in place action plans that deliver real business improvement.
116 organisations took part in the Disability Standard 2007, between them employing around two million people in the UK.
Eight NHS trusts took part in the survey.