I want to be open: staff with disabilities do not always have positive experiences of fairness, safety or opportunity at Gateshead Health. They are having worse experiences than any other group of staff, and that is not ok.
Our workforce data and colleague feedback matter. They show that barriers, bias and unequal outcomes remain. We need to acknowledge this honestly and respond with focus, care and sustained action.
I want every colleague to feel they belong, can speak up safely and have the same opportunity to progress. There is more to do, and we are committed to doing it.
Every leader and every team must reflect honestly on what is happening, take responsibility for improvements within their control and work together to make a difference.
We must all;
• Challenge prejudice and discrimination.
• Remove barriers in our systems.
• Act on what staff tell us.
Measure whether our actions improve people’s experiences — and keep learning as we go.
Our colleagues deserve fairness, respect and opportunity. Together, we can and must keep improving.
Amanda Venner, Executive Director of People and OD
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Download our WDES (Workforce Disability Equality Standard) Report for 2026
WDES (Workforce Disability Race Equality Standard) report 2026