Inclusive workforce

Staff networks

Our networks are managed by staff for staff and advocate and support diverse working. These networks offer the following for all staff: 

• peer support
• safe spaces to talk
• networking
• development opportunities 

They also play a crucial role in shaping NHSScotland’s culture and employment practices.  

Carer Positive status  

Balancing work and family life can be tricky, especially if you have caring responsibilities. That's why we've got a range of family-friendly workforce policies, that support the aims of the Carer Positive standard.

We're proud to support carers – many of our colleagues are carers too. We want to give you the flexibility you need to care for loved ones at home while having a fulfilling career.

We understand that juggling work and caring can be tough, and we're here to help make it more manageable. Our goal is to support you in balancing both effectively.

Designated Equality, diversity and inclusion lead  

All NHSScotland employers have a designated lead who is responsible for championing equality, diversity and inclusion. They have an important role in promoting an equitable working environment across the organisation.  

NHS Professional Careers Programme  

We have supported the NHS Professional Careers Programme for a number of years. It was developed by the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL) Equality Academy. 

The programme addresses the under-representation of disabled people in professional-level employment by offering paid traineeships for disabled graduates. To date, 60 trainees have attended the programme since the end of 2015, with a positive outcome rate of 93%. 

Learn more by reading about GCIL’s Professional Careers Programme.

Education and training  

At NHSScotland, we embed equality, diversity, and human rights into all aspects of our work. To support this commitment, NHS Education for Scotland provides a comprehensive range of educational resources for health and social care professionals across Scotland.

You'll find these resources on Turas Learn.

NHSScotland Pride Badge  

The NHSScotland Pride Badge initiative is a symbol of inclusivity, support and commitment to LGBTQ+ staff, patients, and communities. It signifies that the wearer is an ally who supports a culture of respect, inclusion and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in healthcare.  

If they choose to, our staff can complete awareness training or make a pledge of allyship to receive a badge.  

Our approach to anti-racism

We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation, where our work helps to eliminate racism, remove racialised inequalities and reduce racial prejudice. 

Each NHSScotland employer is developing and implementing an anti-racism plan. These plans aim to eliminate racial inequality through policy reform, equitable access to healthcare, and diverse representation in roles across the service.  

Workplace adjustments and flexible working policies

We recognised the importance of reasonable adjustments for disabled colleagues or those with long-term health conditions. Managers are encouraged to adapt standard working practices, such as specialised equipment, flexible working arrangements, and support services, to assist these colleagues.  

Our Flexible Work Pattern Policy offers a framework to support colleagues who need to change their work patterns. This can include:

• compressed hours
• job share
• flexi-time

Find out more about our Flexible Work Pattern Policy.

Other family-friendly policies

Our workforce policies were developed nationally in partnership with NHSScotland employers, trade unions, and the Scottish Government. They set the standard for employment practice across all NHSScotland employers.

Family-friendly policies include:

• Adoption, Fostering, and Kinship
• Career Break
• Flexible Work Location
• Maternity
• New Parent Support
• Parental Leave
• Shared Maternity and Shared Adoption
• Special Leave

Find out more about NHSScotland Workforce Policies