It’s a sad truth that everybody dies, regardless of race, background, or identity.

Death doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we.

At Pilgrims Hospices, we are proud that our service provides a caring, inclusive environment where our community (our patients, carers, supporters, and their families) are treated equally, as individuals, and where they can be confident they will receive the same high standards of care whoever they may be.

Equality, diversity and inclusion statement

At Pilgrims Hospices equality, diversity and inclusion is about understanding, recognising, valuing and respecting difference in the broadest sense. It is about creating a working culture through the implementation of practices that harness differences for the benefit of patients, carers and families and the workforce.

Inclusion is about ensuring that the organisation is representative of the community we are serving. We care for a community of approximately 750,000 people and we provide more than 18,000 episodes of care (in a normal year) to our patients and their families. With such a large reach, we have a responsibility to make sure our information is easy to access and understood by audiences from all backgrounds.

Benefits of equality and diversity

Better service to patients:

  • Better understanding of the needs of patients and how these needs are met;
  • All patients feel they are treated as individuals, and with respect;
  • Our organisation is regarded positively in local communities.

Improved employee relations:

  • An organisation with a diverse range of employees and volunteers is well placed to understand the needs of a wide range of service users;
  • A healthier, more productive working atmosphere in which ideas can flourish;
  • A better understanding of the individual needs of colleagues;
  • Improved employee retention and morale;
  • Greater ability to attract employees and volunteers from a diverse talent pool.

Our pledge

The purpose of this Position Statement is to provide equality and fairness for all in our service delivery and employment practices, and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic background, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief.

  • We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
  • We recognise, respect and value diversity and will strive in all we do to serve the interests of, and engage with, our patients, carers, employees, volunteers and the community in general.
  • Pilgrims Hospices is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our employees and volunteers. We want our people to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to give of their best.
  • We are proud of our employees and volunteers, we respect who they are; we listen to their views and invest in helping them meet their full potential.
  • All employees and volunteers, whether part-time, full-time or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, volunteering, promotion, training or any other opportunity will be solely on the basis of aptitude and ability.
  • Individuals will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents.
  • We will use the resources of the workforce to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation.

We will create an organisation that:

  • Is accessible to and meet the needs of all our patients, carers, employees, volunteers and supporters;
  • Truly represents all sections of our community, valuing the contribution that employees, patients, carers, volunteers and supporters make to our mission and vision;
  • Fosters an environment in which individual differences are recognised and valued;
  • Tackles behaviours and attitudes that might contribute or reinforce the perceived or real threat of inequity and discrimination;
  • Treats everyone with fairness, understanding, dignity and respect;
  • Actively involves others in developing and refreshing our diversity policies through appropriate consultation;
  • Promotes equality of opportunity for all;
  • Proactively seeks feedback from our community.

Accountability

Our Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive are accountable for equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion in both employment and service provisions. All line managers have a responsibility for ensuring that the Position Statement is applied effectively and fairly across all departments. It will be the responsibility of everyone in the organisation to adhere to this Position Statement and actively promote this within their work.