Equality and diversity
The RCN Employment Relations Department represents the RCN in discussions on equality and diversity for nurses in their employment at the formal national negotiating meetings including the NHS Staff Council.
The NHS Staff Council Equality and Diversity subgroup provides expert advice to the main council and its executive on the equality dimensions of terms of employment. It ensures that the Agenda for Change Handbook complies with equalities legislation, and issues good practice guidance on key topics. It also oversees the operation and effectiveness of the NHS Pay Audit toolkit and is currently working with key partners to ensure robust scrutiny and use of equality data available through staff surveys and successful operation of the Equality Delivery System for the NHS in England.
In addition, the RCN Employment Relations Department develops publications to support representatives and members on equality and diversity issues in the workplace. Guidance is available in employment relations publications on how to deal with workplace bullying and harassment, work-life balance, promoting diversity in the workplace, supporting and recruiting international nurses, and building positive team relationships in the health care setting.