Equality & Diversity

Equality objectives

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-2026 includes our four equality objectives:

1. Inclusive leadership
2. Improved patient experience
3. Our people, governors and volunteers are broadly representative of the communities we serve and are supported and engaged
4. Better health outcomes and improved patient access

Statement on Supreme Court ruling on gender – April 2025

On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court made a ruling to define “women” as biologically born females. This will come as difficult news for many, especially our trans colleagues and those who support inclusion and equality in all its forms. It’s a ruling that feels like a setback for the values we hold dear – diversity, respect, and the right for every person to be recognised for who they are. It is a decision that impacts on many NHS values not least the NHS People plan, and NHS People Promise that state a core value of “belonging in the NHS”, with a particular focus on tackling discrimination where all are welcome, celebrating diversity in all its forms. 

At SCAS, we want to make it clear, this decision does not change our unwavering commitment to our trans colleagues, patients, and communities. You are seen, respected, and valued. Your identity is valid, and your place within our organisation is not defined by a narrow legal ruling, but by your humanity and the contributions you make every day.

We are proud of the steps we’ve taken, alongside the National Ambulance LGBT+ Network and with the support of our leadership, to build a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and safe for all. That work is more important now than ever – and it will continue.

At SCAS we stand together and look after one another. Let’s keep challenging inequality, keep educating ourselves and others, and keep creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

David Eltringham
Chief Executive

Equality Delivery System for the NHS

The Equality Delivery System supports NHS organisations in England to review and develop their approach in addressing health inequalities through three domains: Services, Workforce and Leadership. It is designed to support NHS commissioners and providers to deliver better outcomes for patients and communities and better working environments for staff, which are personal, fair and diverse.

Copies of our annual reports on the Equality Delivery System are at the bottom of this page.

The Disability Confident Scheme

We are a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and are committed to employing disabled people. The scheme demonstrates to disabled people that we will be positive about their abilities.

In achieving membership of the scheme, we have demonstrated that we will:

• interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities

• ensure that there is a mechanism in place to discuss, at any time but at least once a year, with disabled employees, what both parties can do to make sure disabled employees can develop and use their abilities

• make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment

• act to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate levels of disability awareness needed to make sure these commitments work

• review these commitments each year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees know about the progress and future plans. SCAS has also established a Disability Network to support this important programme.

Staff networks

We have a number of staff networks that help to give a voice to people from different groups and to support equality and diversity.

Active networks currently include:

• Disability Awareness, Representation and Equality Network
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Plus Network
• Men’s Network (new in 2025)
• Military Champions’ Network (new in 2024)
• Race Equality and Inclusion Network
• Women’s Network

These networks are led by members of staff who give their time on a voluntary basis. We support the networks with some basic funding to facilitate the work they wish to focus on.

Equality & Diversity Steering Group

​Our internal Equality & Diversity Steering Group provides support, advice, assurance and governance for the Trust Board, to ensure the organisation is committed to:

• Developing a culture of promoting Equality and Diversity and eliminating discrimination.

• Meeting its duties and responsibilities under Equality, Diversity & Human Rights legislation and codes of practice, including NHS and the Department of Health standards.

• Promoting, recognising and valuing the diverse nature of communities and staff groups within South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

Patient panel

In 2024 we established a patient panel, with volunteers who help shape our services and how we work to support patients from different communities. We have two established sub-groups focused on learning disabilities and mental health, and we are developing a young people’s group. Find out more about the patient panel and their work.

Our learning disabilities patient panel sub-group have been helping us develop a range of easy read documents about our services.