Anti-racism statement

The Walton Centre recognises that racism goes beyond conscious or open hostility towards individuals or communities because of their culture, colour, nationality, race or ethnic background. Racism can be subtle and unconscious. To truly tackle racism, we need to understand our personal contribution.

We are committed to a safe, healthy and productive workplace that promotes diversity of thought, heritage and social background. Our individual qualities and differences must be celebrated as we bring our whole self to work. We want our people to be productive, creative and innovative – this cannot be achieved for our colleagues who are oppressed by racism.

Although this Trust is committed to help establish a more open, equal and democratically accountable NHS, racism is still prevalent in our systems, processes and behaviours towards employees and patients. We cannot be complacent or adopt a position that is impartial. Anti-racism is an active and conscious effort to work against all aspects of overt and systemic racism.

The Walton Centre is genuinely committed to take urgent action rather than the hollow rhetoric of the past. It is no longer about wearing a badge or flying a flag, it is time to act!

We are committed to delivering the following actions:

• We will urgently define a set of ED&I objectives on race for the next 24-36 months
• We will set measurable objectives on anti-racism for the Chair, Chief Executive and all Board members
• Commit to understanding and then eliminating pay gaps between Black, Minority Ethnic (BME) staff and their white colleagues
• We will work with, invest in and support our @Race Group to become an @Anti-Racism Group
• We will review current recruitment and career progression policies to ensure they are inclusive and do not disadvantage those from a BME background
• Ensure induction and appraisal systems enhance the experience of BME staff (and internationally recruited staff) and support those looking to develop their careers
• Through the provision of outstanding health and wellbeing support, continue to address health inequalities within our workforce
• Continue to deliver and embed the Cultural Competency training programme and promote Civility training across the trust. These must run alongside a clear policy framework on bullying and harassment.
• We will trailblaze working in partnership with the population of Liverpool (as part of our community) through Liverpool Citizens*. This will include extensive engagement, breaking down barriers and improving employment opportunities for residents in the areas with the highest levels of deprivation.

*Liverpool Citizens is a non-partisan alliance of groups from across the city including faith, education, academia, housing, health, community, voluntary and charities.