Equality and diversity principles underpin everything the society does, not least its support to individual members.
Equality & Diversity Toolkit
The CSP's Equality & Diversity Toolkit is an accessible and user-friendly resource for key information on all equality and diversity issues. It's aimed at all members including clinicians, managers, stewards, safety reps, educators, associates and students. The toolkit guides you through equalities law and best practice in the workplace, and helps provide the confidence to start discussions and raise awareness. More resources for members are listed further down this page.
Equality and diversity policy
Download CSP's equality and diversity policy
Equality Act 2010
Employees are protected against all forms of discrimination and harassment by comprehensive legislation, which includes religion, age and sexual orientation. The Equality Act came into force in April 2010. It harmonised existing discrimination law by consolidating more than 100 pieces of separate legislation into a single Act.
CSP members working in NHS organisations are also covered by a comprehensive set of agreements outlined in the NHS Terms and Conditions Handbook.
NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard
The NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) was implemented in England on 1 April 2015. It aims to ensure that staff from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds have equal access to career opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace. See CSP guidance for members on the WRES including links to further resources and a checklist for stewards.
CSP equality and diversity networks
The CSP has three diversity networks and welcomes members of the CSP who are disabled, from black minority ethnic (BME) groups, or are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT+). The society also has an equality and diversity member group which reports to the Industrial Relations Committee.
Problems at work?
If you are facing problems at work, find out what employer policies you are covered by, and then if necessary contact your local steward for advice.
CSP stewards have been trained to deal with members' problems, including harassment and discrimination. In complex cases, local stewards will be supported by CSP senior negotiating officers. CSP members also have access to professional legal services.
Guidance for members
Get access to a wide range of specialist equality & diversity guidance as a CSP member. (Where relevant, information paper references are given in brackets):
- Equality & diversity toolkit - a practical guide for CSP stewards, managers and members
- Equality and diversity policy for CSP members (above)
- Adoption leave (IP30)
- Maternity leave and pay (IP08)
- Parental leave (IP16)
- Part-timers’ rights (IP15)
- Paternity leave (IP29)
- Physiotherapy treatment of transgender patients
Briefing papers on bullying, harassment and discrimination issues are also available to download:
- Bullying and harassment cases – representation of CSP members (IP19)
- Disability discrimination - the law (IP37)
- Religion or belief equality legislation (IP22)
- Sexual orientation equality legislation (IP33)
How trade unions help promote workplace E&D
Physio Rachael Machin shares her story on how trade unionism helped her to promote equality and diversity in the workplace.