Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has become the first employer in the northern region to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter.
The charter can make a real difference to Black workers’ lives. The pledges in the charter will help employers address the racial disparities in recruitment, in promotions, in training opportunities, in disciplinary procedures and in pay.
The pledges aim to help organisations implement a clear and visible race equality policy, a programme of anti-racism initiatives and actions to ensure there is a programme of equality training for staff across the organisation.
As Gateshead Health become the first employer to sign up to the charter, both UNISON and the trust committed to working in partnership to achieve the goals of the charter, to tackle inequality and improve the working lives of staff at the trust.
Nicky Ramanandi, Regional Convenor at Unison said: “As a black worker the charter makes meaningful commitments to supporting BAME staff at work.
“I am proud of the work the union has done, working in partnership with Gateshead NHS Trust.”
“We will be working with other organisations across the region to encourage them to sign up to the charter too.”
Gill Findley, deputy chief executive at Gateshead Health NHS Trust said: “We are delighted to be the first organisation in the North East to be signing the Anti-Racism Charter with Unison and we are looking forward to working with Unison on this.
“Gateshead Health is a place where our people should be proud to work at, feel fulfilled, and are at the heart of our organisation. The anti-racism charter will ensure that our organisation is actively working to create an inclusive workplace for all. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or any other protected characteristic. By signing this charter, we are making a commitment to put anti-racism at the heart of our work for both our leaders and our organisation.”
You can read the full charter on the UNISON website