Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Background:
Welcome to the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Project. Croydon BME (CBME) forum in partnership with Asian Resource Community Centre (ARCC), The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN), in South London, to improve representation and equitable participation of under-represented communities in gaining access to healthcare services and health care research.
Who are the EDI funders?
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) is committed to improving the representation and equitable
participation of communities that are traditionally under -represented in health-related research in underrepresented groups from the Croydon based communities.
What is EDI?
Equality
Equality is making sure everyone has equal opportunity
Equity
Equity is not the same as equality. Equity is about giving people what they need to make things fair. Equity acknowledges that not everyone will start from the same place, however we wish to finish with the same outcome!
Diversity
This is recognising and valuing differences in people. We come from a wide range of backgrounds and mindsets, which helps create an empowered multi-cultured society
Inclusion
This is a real sense of belonging, where people feel valued , irrespective of their background, identity or circumstances.
Getting started Know your rights
If you feel you are being treated unfairly, ask for the organisations, Policies and Procedures on:
1. Equality
2. Data Protection Information Sharing and Confidentiality,
3. Whistleblowing,
4. Complaints and Disciplinary,
5. Customer service/Code of Conduct & Behaviour
REMEMBER to keep good notes of the events
1. Who you spoke to
2. Where and when the incident took place
3. What time and
4. If there were others as witnesses!
Improving the experience and access to healthcare
provisions for Croydon’s Black Communities
Our survey of 1,000 BAME respondents in Croydon in March 2023 – Key issues
| Responses out of 1,000 | Issues |
| 619 | English is not their first language |
| 525 | Difficulty to access GP |
| 515 | Do not trust their GP |
| 328 | Do not Trust their hospital |
| 836 | Go to the pharmacy for medical assistance |
| 590 | Do not feel any care and respect when they are accessing health care |
| 589 | Do not feel they have a say in their Care |
| 622 | Do not feel listened too. |
| 960 | Never approached for Clinical Trials |
Further research is being conducted to find out WHY and WHAT can be done to improve access, engagement and promote sustainable change.
What do we want to achieve?
To achieve equality requires identifying the barriers, biases and taking targeted action to overcome inequalities. Inequalities can be demonstrated through a number of ways, such as, however, not limited to: prejudice, stereotyping, racial profiling (negative labelling) racism, harassment, microaggressions, oppression and discrimination (direct and indirect) Unfortunately there are systems within institutions, which perpetuates the status quo, through behaviour, polices, practices and culture in place.
How to get involved:
If you are an individual – and would like to learn more about the project including how to get involved in focus groups, surveys, and interviews.
If you are a local community group, charity or faith organisation or other services in Croydon who would like us to work together on this project please email us.
