Equality Delivery System (EDS)

The EDS serves the purpose of helping NHS organisations review and improve their performance in respect of the protected characteristics aligned to NHS England’s Long Term Plan and its commitment to an inclusive NHS that is fair and accessible to all and their Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) set out in The Equality Act 2010, as an employer, commissioner and a service provider.

EDS implementation by NHS provider organisations is mandatory in the NHS Standard Contract and is a key requirement for all NHS commissioners. Detailed information on how to implement EDS 2022 is contained in the EDS 2022 Technical Guidance.

EDS for 2025/26

Following the annual review of the EDS, the Trust has moved from ‘Achieving’ to ‘Developing’. It acknowledges and aligns with the findings of the three recent external reviews that either had a full or partial focus on the approach and position of the Trust with regards to Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

The review by ENEI was commissioned by the Trust in acknowledgement of its EDI-related challenges and concluded the Trust had areas for improvement although compliant with its statutory requirements. The Trust is committed to bringing about the required change and as a result developing the necessary improvement actions that will be incorporated into the Inclusion and Belonging Plan, which will provide the overarching framework.

It is in light of the findings from the reviews that there has been a shift from ‘Achieving’ to ‘Developing’, as opposed to a deterioration in activity.

The below tables set out all the outcome ratings and scores used to confirm the overall rating. This has been arrived at by referring to the EDS Ratings and Score Card Guidance. All outcome ratings and scores have been taken from evidence gathering and subsequent allocation in collaboration with key internal leads, key stakeholders and external peers. It is important to note that Domain 1 focuses on specific areas of activity as opposed to an overall overview as with Domains 2 and 3.

Please find below further detail:

• Domain 1 Commissioned or Provided Services Evidence
• Domain 2 Workforce Health and Well-being Evidence
• Domain 3 Inclusive Leadership Evidence