A national regulator is taking immediate action after a damning report revealed concerns about workplace discrimination and bullying.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the nursing and midwifery regulator, commissioned an independent culture report after concerns were raised about the organisation’s culture, which included the fear of whistleblowing.
The report, which was published earlier this week, highlighted safeguarding concerns and a “toxic” culture, which made reference to discrimination and bullying.
Harriet Gardner, employment law solicitor at Wake Smith says the report, and the associated media coverage, is a stark reminder to businesses that creating the right culture, and having robust procedures, is crucial.
The NMC has commented it is taking the report extremely seriously and is working to deliver meaningful change.
In the meantime, the NMC has set out a number of actions that are being taken immediately to address the findings. Those actions include:
- To appoint an equality, diversity and inclusion advisor to the Executive Board to support decision making;
- Working on a new behavioural framework to support recruitment, development, career progression and performance management. The framework is to be launched in September.
- Listening circles to be facilitated by trained professionals so that colleagues can openly discuss the issues raised in the report.
It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of a protected characteristic. The nine protected characteristics are:
- Age
- Disability
- Race
- Marriage and civil partnerships
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Gender reassignment
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination can take many forms including bullying, changes to a contract of employment, role erosion or performance management.
Employers can help protect themselves. They need to have clear standards of behaviour and robust equal opportunities and anti-harassment and bullying policies and procedures in place.
Employers should also ensure their employees are aware of, and understand, these policies and procedures and undergo regular training.
For further information on robust equal opportunities, anti-harassment and bullying policies and procedures contact Harriet Gardner at Wake Smith Solicitors on 0114 223 2726.
To find out more about our employment services click here. Or, to read more about advice on discrimination in the workplace click here.
