Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) Experts Programme 2018/2019
November 16, 2018
On the 14th November I attended the launch of the WRES experts programme in London. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to participate.
I am looking forward to networking with and learning from like-minded individuals who understand the importance of race equality within the NHS. WRES is a key component of the Five Year Forward View, forms part of the NHS Standard Contract, is in the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) improvement and assurance framework and part of the CQC inspection process.
Module one takes place in January 2019. There are six modules in total, concluding with a celebration event in July 2019.
It was great to hear Ruth May, Executive Director of Nursing, NHS Improvement speak about the importance of WRES. Lord Prior, Chairman NHS England gave his keynote address stating “Words are not enough. It’s time for action” “The work you are doing is hugely important”.
On completion of the programme I will have an enhanced set of skills and knowledge in relation to WRES. I will be sharing my learning with the Executive Team and key messages and best practice will be cascaded. I will also happily share this knowledge with peers to ensure that we fully embed WRES within our organisation.
Whilst acknowledging that I will be labelled the “expert” I want to be clear that the responsibility to embed WRES within our Trust and evidence improvement across all nine indicators year on year is a collective responsibility. This should not be viewed as an “add on” or “nice to do”. WRES is built on the values of the NHS Constitution and is linked to patient care, patient safety and patient satisfaction.
I look forward to sharing my learning with you.
Donna Mighty
Co-Chair BME Staff Network
Info –
WRES was introduced in April 2015 to ensure that employees from Black Minority & Ethnic (BME) backgrounds have equal access to career opportunities and receive fair treatment in the workplace.
The report on The Snowy White Peaks of the NHS highlighted the absence of black and minority ethnic staff from the NHS at senior levels and concluded that not only has there been no progress but things may have actually got worse.