At Workforce Voices, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are core to everything we do.
We believe that improving the sustainability of the health and care workforce depends on truly inclusive research: research that reflects the diversity of staff, patients, and communities, and that actively addresses structural inequalities. Our EDI approach recognises that staff and patients in underserved areas may face additional barriers linked to geography, socioeconomic status, disability, ethnicity, and more.
Our EDI work is embedded across the Partnership – from the way we recruit and support our team and Community Inclusion and Engagement (CIE) panel members, to how we design and share our research. Each of our workstreams has an EDI Champion, and we are guided by a dedicated EDI Lead and a clear strategy aligned with national frameworks such as the NIHR Research Inclusion Strategy and the Core20PLUS5 approach.
We take practical steps to ensure our work is inclusive. This includes:
• Using accessible materials and engagement formats
• Offering hybrid and in-person opportunities with support for travel or care costs
• Monitoring diversity within our research and governance structures
• Co-producing our EDI strategy with staff and public contributors
We know that inclusive research makes better research. That’s why we’re committed to continuous learning and accountability, with regular reporting and review of our EDI activities.
How we embed inclusion in everything we do
At Workforce Voices, we are committed to creating an inclusive research environment where everyone (staff, patients, carers, and communities) can contribute, shape, and benefit from our work.
We believe that tackling workforce sustainability in the NHS requires addressing the structural inequalities that affect staff wellbeing, access to services, and career progression. For us, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are not separate workstreams. They are part of our culture, our governance, and our research design from start to finish.
Our approach
We follow national best practice, including the NIHR Research Inclusion Strategy, NIHR INCLUDE Framework, Core20PLUS5, and PROGRESS+ equity guidance. Our EDI Strategy and Policy have been co-developed with our community contributors and are reviewed annually to reflect learning and change.
Our EDI work is structured around four key principles:
- Representation:
We aim to build a team – and involve participants and partners – that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We monitor demographic data to identify and address underrepresentation. - Inclusive research design:
All of our research methods, materials, and engagement activities are developed with accessibility and inclusion in mind. This includes using Easy Read or translated formats where needed, and designing activities that accommodate different communication, cultural, and support needs. - Supportive research culture:
We offer EDI and cultural competency training to all staff, partners, and Community Inclusion and Engagement (CIE) panel members. Psychological safety and inclusive leadership are at the heart of our approach. - Meaningful involvement:
Our work is shaped by people with lived and professional experience. We work in partnership with Voice Global, Healthwatch, and local networks to engage people who might otherwise be excluded from research. Our CIE panels are co-chaired by public contributors and play a key role in shaping direction, priorities, and outputs.
Governance and accountability
Our EDI Lead, Professor Yemisi Takwoingi, oversees the implementation of our strategy, supported by the Operations Manager and the Community Inclusion and Engagement (CIE)Lead. Each workstream has a named EDI Champion. Progress is reviewed regularly by the Partnership Management Group and reported annually.
We know inclusion involves ongoing work that requires care, commitment, and accountability. We are always learning and welcome feedback on how we can do better.
If you have questions or suggestions, contact us at workforcevoices@newcastle.ac.uk