NHSScotland Lone Working Workforce Policy: Equality Impact Assessment

Background

The ‘Once for Scotland’ Workforce Policies Programme was commissioned by the Scottish Workforce and Staff Governance Committee to review and transform existing workforce policies [previously known as Partnership Information Network (PIN) Policies] in line with the following vision:

‘Once for Scotland Workforce policies will promote NHSScotland as a modern, exemplar employer; showcasing our core values, and promoting consistent employment policy and practice that supports the implementation of the Staff Governance Standard and effective recruitment and retention.’

The refreshed NHSScotland Lone Working policy reflects feedback from regional engagement events pre- and mid-policy development, formal consultation and additional advice sought from subject matter experts.

The policy, and associated supporting documents, set the standard for employment practice for all NHS Boards in Scotland, and are accessible through the NHSScotland Workforce Policies website. The website was developed through extensive user testing and is compliant to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standard.

The policy and supporting documents are adopted by NHS Boards, at a local level, to ensure a fair and consistent approach to fair, consistent, and supportive approach to identifying suitable alternative employment for displaced employees or those unable to continue in their existing roles.

The fair and consistent application of policy and treatment of staff working for the NHS in Scotland is the key driver for the move to a single policy position.

NHSScotland workforce policies support the requirements of the Staff Governance Standard (2012), in relation to the following five strands:

• well informed
• appropriately trained and developed
• involved in decisions
• treated fairly and consistently
• provided with a safe working environment