NHS England recently faced criticism over a mandatory training module introduced in August that aimed to address equality, diversity, and inclusion within the workforce. The training, titled "Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Skills," sparked significant backlash for its content, leading to its subsequent withdrawal.
The module argued that NHS staff, both payroll and off payroll, are required to complete this training to progress in their careers. A controversial aspect of the training was its stance on transgender issues, with one section labelling women as "transphobic" if they objected to sharing bathroom facilities with transgender colleagues. The document stipulated that individuals have the right to choose facilities that match their gender identity and suggested that requesting transgender staff to use gender-neutral or disabled toilets could be considered "illegal harassment."
This training also stirred debate by replacing the terms "women" or "mothers" with "people" in discussions about pregnancy and maternity leave. The document emphasized protection against discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and statutory maternity leave but avoided using gender-specific language.
Furthermore, the training included case studies, one of which involved a nurse offering to pray for an unwell patient. The nurse faced reprimand for this action, with the guidance suggesting that expressing personal faith in such a manner failed to align with a "commitment to equality and diversity."
Women's rights campaigners, including the human rights charity Sex Matters, challenged the NHS's module. Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, wrote to NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, criticising the training for being "partisan and ideological," conflicting with legal standards on discrimination based on sex, gender reassignment, and belief. They urged the NHS to review and amend the module to align with the law and ensure compliance with the public-sector equality duty and the Human Rights Act.
In response to the backlash and after being contacted by the Mail, the NHS acknowledged the withdrawal of the training and announced plans to revise it in the coming weeks. A spokesperson commented that the guidance was already out of date and expressed a commitment to ensuring that all women within the NHS system are treated with dignity and respect.
This development comes at a time when the NHS is facing legal challenges, including claims of sex discrimination from female nurses in Darlington. These nurses alleged they were compelled to share changing rooms with a transgender nurse, highlighting ongoing debates around gender policies within the NHS.
The revised training is expected to consider these concerns more carefully and address the need for a balanced approach that respects both legal frameworks and diverse identities within the workplace.
Source: Noah Wire Services