Anti-racism

We do not accept for any form of abuse. This includes verbal or physical aggression, threats, intimidation, racism, or discrimination directed at colleagues, patients, or visitors.

We are proud to work alongside colleagues and across our communities to actively support anti‑racism. Together, we are committed to challenging racism in all its forms and ensuring our patient areas remain safe, respectful, and welcoming spaces for everyone.

Our commitment to acceptable behaviour

As part of our commitment in our clinical and organisational strategy to deliver social value with local communities through outstanding partnerships with neighbouring local organisations, we outlined core 28 promises.

As part of this commitment, we follow the acceptable behaviour policy, which sets clear standards for recognising, responding to, and managing abusive, discriminatory, aggressive or threatening behaviour.

The policy provides a framework to ensure a safe and secure environment for staff, patients, and visitors, and makes clear that abusive or discriminatory behaviour of any kind is not tolerated.

You can read more about our work to tackle racism in our organisation in our latest update on promise 26 and from our newsletter Trust Matters in which our Chief Executive, Toby Lewis talks openly about facing up to racism and privilege.

Our 7-point action plan

Our 7-point action plan sets out the clear actions we are taking to challenge racism and create a safe, inclusive environment for everyone. This plan moves us from intention to action and makes our position clear: racism is not tolerated.

1. Implement our acceptable behaviour policy which allows us to exclude in certain circumstances those engaging in racism.
2. Ensure our recruitment panels are more diverse.
3. Change our investigative process so racism allegations are typically investigated by a diverse panel.
4. Active bystander training for leaders and first-line managers.
5. Put anti-racism learning at the centre of our inductions and learning half days.
6. Commit to a diverse and representative senior leadership team.
7. End any sense that the trust is neutral.

Allyship

An ally is someone who supports people who may face unfair treatment. Allies speak up, listen, and help make spaces safer and fairer for everyone.

Allies support people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities, disabled people, and other groups who may experience discrimination.

We encourage all colleagues and visitors to be allies by:

• treating everyone with kindness and respect
• challenging discrimination when it is safe to do so
• listening to lived experiences
• learning how our words and actions affect others

An ally is somebody who will support potentially vulnerable people, and strive alongside them to achieve equal rights, and any other help that they may need. An ally is a friend, someone who will stick up for you when you cannot stick up for yourself.

You can learn more about what allyship means and how it helps create inclusive spaces by watching this short video.

Watch and reflect

Short videos can be a great way to bring these ideas to life and spark meaningful conversations.

Inclusive food menu

Food is an important part of feeling welcomed and respected.

Our inclusive food menu is designed to meet a wide range of cultural, religious, medical, and dietary needs. This includes options that support:

• cultural and faith requirements
• vegetarian and vegan diets
• allergies and intolerances
• medical and nutritional needs

We want everyone using our services to feel comfortable, valued, and included. If someone needs support with food choices, our teams will listen and help where possible.

Page last reviewed: January 19, 2026
Next review due: January 19, 2027