Protected characteristics

Under the Equality Act (2010) there are nine protected characteristics. See the Equality and Human Rights Commission website for a description, and advice on your rights and responsibilities 

The following provides examples of how the Trust is addressing these for our patients and staff.

Disability
Two Ticks scheme - The Trust has been awarded use of the disability symbol, also known as the Two Ticks scheme. Use of the symbol is given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who demonstrate a positive commitment both to people with a disability and to potential customers. 

The Trust has developed an easy read website for people with learning difficulties and their carers.

We endeavour to ensure that all our services are accessible to people with disabilities. The Trust is able to assist with requests for sign language services. Our publications can be made available in alternative formats on request. Please contact PALS.

Gender
We provide health advice to both genders through our Health Channel. 

Age
We have a children’s and young people’s website.

We also provide health advice to all ages of people through our Health Channel.

Sexual Orientation

Stonewall diversity champion logoThe Trust joined the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme in February 2008. We will use this programme to prepare to take part in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, where organisations are rated against each other according to how supportive and accessible they are to lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
We provide health advice to gay, lesbian and bisexual people through our Health Channel.

Religion & belief
The Trust has a multi-faith chaplaincy team who are able to provide for the religious, spiritual and pastoral needs of patients, staff and visitors.
• Read more about our multi-faith chaplaincy service

We provide health advice to people through our Health Channel. For example, health tips for Ramadan, including fasting advice, foods to avoid, frequently asked questions on healthy eating and how to quit smoking.

Ethnicity
Dietary needs - Inpatients are able to choose from a variety of dietary or cultural meal options, including kosher, halal, African-Caribbean, Asian and vegetarian. You can read more about inpatient meals in our What to expect section.
Patient satisfaction – a 2009 survey illustrates how we address ethnic patient’s needs when they are inpatients. 

Gender reassignment
The gender reassignment unit, based at Charing Cross Hospital, provides a supra-regional service performing male-to-female gender reassignment surgery for patients throughout Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

We provide health advice to people going through transition or who have completed transition through our Health Channel.