Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

As part of its Championing equality, diversity and inclusion workstream the South West Finance Academy plans to:

• Conduct a review of recruitment methods and processes under the lens of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Set up a mentoring service with local universities to provide additional support for BAME students interested in an NHS finance
• Launch Equity Summer Internships with local universities, offering BAME students a project based 4-week fully funded internship with an NHS organisation in the South West
• Set up work experience opportunities with South West NHS organisations for school leavers from deprived areas and lower socio-economic backgrounds
• Ensure all teams take part in data and information collection for the NHS Finance Workforce Census to understand the levels in which people are facing barriers to progression
• Raise awareness of the Sponsorship Programme in the South West and ensure there is a regional matching process for sponsors and sponsees for those working at band 7 and below
• Increase the network of Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) Ambassadors in the South West and their role in developing a locally tailored alignment to the National Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Action-Plan
• Ensure the thoroughness and quality of all organisational ED&I strategies across the region
• Develop a reverse mentoring programme to promote inclusion and increase understanding of diversity issues
• Develop an ED&I education programme including lunch and learn sessions, an Equality and Diversity conference and a suite of Equality and Diversity training and development events