Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES)
The Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) was introduced into the NHS in 2019.
It was developed after a number of key reports, such as Making the difference: Diversity and inclusion in the NHS by Michael West, which noted that levels of reported discrimination are higher against people with disabilities than any other of the protected characteristics groups.
Like the Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES), WDES is mandated through the NHS Standard Contract, and will be part of future Care Quality Commission inspections under the ‘well-led’ theme. It is also referenced in the NHS Long Term Plan.
The WDES has ten specific metrics that will enable the Trust to compare the experiences of both disabled and non-disabled staff, and enable a more inclusive environment for disabled people working at St George’s.
The Trust is required to report on progress against the WDES metrics on an annual basis, which will allow year on year comparisons, highlighting areas of improvement and areas where further work is needed. You can find our reports for 2019 and 2020 below.
SGH Workforce Disability Equality Standard Action Plan 2022-24
SGH Workforce Disability Equality Standard Key Findings Report 22/23
WDES Annual Report 2022 and WDES Action Plan 2022
WDES Annual Report and Action Plan 2021
