Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH) provides the best possible care in every community in Leeds irrespective of; 

                              Age

                              Disability

                              Gender reassignment

                              Marriage or civil partnership status

                              Pregnancy and maternity

                              Race

                              Religion and belief   

                              Sex

                              Sexual orientation 

LCH Equality Strategy 2012-2016  outlines the strategic direction for the organisation in delivering equality over the next four years, setting in place an objective and desired outputs pay due regard to the three aims of the general duty of the Equality Act 2010: 

1. eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
2. advance equality of opportunity; and
3. foster good relations between people from different groups

in both service delivery and employment.

This Equality Strategy provides a framework and identifies activity and actions deliverable, from April 2012, which will ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010, CQC requirements, assist in the delivery of the NHS Constitutions principles and values, in particular the first key principle; ‘to provide a comprehensive service, available to all’ and will support the organisation in meeting its vision and four strategic objectives.

LCH Equality Strategy and objective supports the organisation in achieving a representative public membership as part of the Foundation Trust programme, ensuring our membership reflects the diversity of every community in Leeds and promoting the ongoing engagement with the community, for service design and improvement both directly and through the voluntary sector, to achieve this. 

The Equality objective defined within the strategy has been informed by involvement and consultation with a wide range of community groups, Leeds City Council, Stonewall and communities in Leeds through involvement facilitated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN).

There has been strong LCH Board involvement in the development of this strategy and the Board, both executives and non-executives, are committed to continued visible leadership of the Equality Strategy, ensuring equality is considered by every seat of the organisation and there is strong, visible leadership.

This strategy will be supported by a detailed Equality work plan.