A new conference aimed at senior managers of NHS ambulance trusts has been organised by the National Ambulance Diversity Forum, to help ensure that workforces are more reflective of the communities they serve.
The ‘Masterclass in implementing positive action within Ambulance Services’ takes place on the 5th October 2012 at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) and is now taking delegate bookings from interested parties.
The National Ambulance Diversity Forum is hosted by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and has developed a vision for national ambulance service diversity by building on the success of the National Ambulance Conference (part of the NHS Equality Delivery System) which took place in November 2011 and was attended by 120 people from across the country.
The National Ambulance Diversity Forum leads on equality issues within the ambulance sector, and has recognised that the main focus of its attention must be on ensuring ambulance service workforces are as reflective as possible of local communities.
Sofia Jabeen of West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust is organising the event on behalf of the National Ambulance Diversity Forum. She says:
“Diversity in employment produces a workforce sensitive to the different needs of the communities that we serve. Diversity in delivering our services recognises that the highest quality of care – alongside equity of access – is built upon a clear understanding of different cultural needs.
“This is why the National Diversity Forum, with support from ACCE, has organised this event. Leadership in equality has been proven to build on great success in achieving better access to services as well as ensuring better health outcomes for patients.
“Our leaders within the Ambulance Service must recognise that having a reflective workforce, which is empowered, engaged and supported, will produce better patient health outcomes, as well as ensuring staff feel empowered, engaged and supported in their work.”
The event is aimed at chairs, chief executives, non-executive directors, executive directors, organisational development leads, equality and diversity leads as well as senior line managers and recruitment teams.
Speakers including NHS Chief Executive Sir David Nicholson, as well as representatives from the Department of Health’s Breaking Through programme have been invited as well as a prominent Bradford University professor and representatives from the Fire and Rescue Service.
Aside from the presentations there will be table discussions and workshops as well as a question and answer session featuring an expert panel.
The ‘Masterclass in implementing positive action within Ambulance Services’ is free to attend and to register their attendance, delegates should contact Sofia Jabeen direct via email to: sofia.jabeen@wmas.nhs.uk
