Case Study: Dorset Healthcare University improves disability declaration and staff inclusion with NHS Employers

Dorset Healthcare improving culture around data sharing

The customer, Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, faced a significant challenge with very low staff declaration rates for disabilities and other protected characteristics, hindering its ability to support its workforce and meet legal requirements. To address this, the trust partnered with NHS Employers to improve its data collection processes and foster a more inclusive organizational culture.

With guidance from NHS Employers, the trust implemented a multi-faceted solution. This involved revising its data collection strategy, embedding conversations about support into the employee journey, and launching internal campaigns to explain the importance of disclosure. The trust also established new staff support networks. As a result, NHS Employers helped the trust achieve a major cultural shift, reducing undefined disability declarations by over 65% in a decade and significantly increasing staff satisfaction and the uptake of support funding.

Dorset Healthcare University