What is inclusivity and what does it mean to be truly inclusive? Whilst the terms equality, diversity and inclusion are intrinsically linked, are they well understood? You might be wondering why I’m asking… well, this week is National Inclusion Week (NIW), which runs from 25th September until 1st October 2023.

The theme of NIW 2023 is ‘Take Action, Make Impact’, which aims to encourage everyone to take action, big or small, to make a positive impact for our colleagues, patients, ourselves, and everyone around us. But before you can take action, you need to understand what inclusion means.

Inclusive Employers define inclusion as “the culture in which the mix of people can come to work, feel comfortable and confident to be themselves and work in a way that suits them and delivers your business or service needs. Inclusion will ensure that everyone feels valued, and, importantly, adds value”.

If you’re knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion is a little rusty, you can complete the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, along with the Equality and Diversity eLearning courses (part of the Learning Package), accessible in the Practice Index HUB. These courses will help you better understand how to respect the diversity of all the individuals you work with.

So why does inclusion matter? Well, we all want to feel included. Remember that time as a kid when you weren’t invited for a sleepover or the time when you were last to be picked for a team because nobody wanted you on their side? These events stay with us and if you cast your mind back, you’d probably have felt deflated, excluded and not welcome or valued.

Now, as an employee, you expect to be valued; you want to work collectively with your co-workers in an environment where you’re made to feel welcomed and appreciated. The reason action is required is because the effects of not being inclusive can have a significant impact not only on an individual but on the organisation.

Failure to be inclusive can lead to hostility, a lack of trust, poor communication and potentially discrimination – all of which can impact on the standard of care patients receive. You want people to come to work and be themselves, and to work to the best of their ability in an environment where they feel included, safe and happy.

An inclusive workplace will also ensure that patients have a truly inclusive experience. It will boost morale, help with staff retention, and it will ensure you’re taking action to challenge your unconscious bias so that you’re not discriminating against an individual or group of individuals.

Focusing on inclusivity can help to reduce the inequalities that exist in many workplaces. “Don’t let others define you. You define yourself” – Ginni Rometty.

Useful resources:

Equality and diversity policy [PLUS]
Equality monitoring form [PLUS]
Equity impact assessment – initial screening form [PLUS]
#MyGPandMe: Making Your Practice Inclusive for People with Learning Disabilities and Autism (Free Course)
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
Understanding Health Inequalities