1. Discussion with Essex County Council Visual Disability Planning Group. Monday 7 September 2009

2. Meeting public duty expectations. Single Equality Scheme in place – after consultation. Contains an equality and diversity (E&D) action plan that is being followed and monitored. Equality impact assessment (EIA) programme being revamped in 2009 – pilot work includes focus on disabilities.

3. E&D action plan. Monitoring. How we know whether any group is being disadvantaged. Workforce and service provision being monitored. Being updated. Website publication.

4. E&D action plan Community consultation – historically valuable but ad-hoc. More planned involvement during 2009, eg participation at PNF (Essex CC disability forum) and running our own consultation workshop in the Spring. Patient and public involvement strategy and plan about to be launched – seeking increased participation. Today is very welcome!

5. E&D action plan EIA toolkit being customised. EIA training being re-started. Policy and governance papers - processes to involve EIAs going forward. Prioritised EIA review of current policies – timetable to come.

6. E&D action plan Compliance with Healthcare Commission and Care Quality Commission - annual audits. But not just a tick-box exercise – we are measuring against best practice – other Trusts, Dept Health, EHRC.

7. E&D action plan E&D Training is mandatory. 600 staff this year – half-day workshops. Covers legislation, inclusion/exclusion etc. EIA training being piloted. Specific training, eg disability awareness, being planned. Leadership workshop undertaken.

8. E&D action plan Diversity events calendar distributed. Programme of events underway. Participating in County/Borough initiatives on Black History Month, Pride, Diwali. Using events to involve staff, patients and public – and to raise awareness and consciousness of diversity.

9. Question and answer session. Any questions? Information, clarification, etc?

10. Contact us... John McLellan, Equality and diversity adviser, 01245 514733 john.mmclellan@meht.nhs.uk john.mmclellan@meht.nhs.uk Ricky Cichon, Estates. 01245 514507 Ricky.cichon@meht.nhs.uk Karen Taberham, Outpatients. karen.taberham@meht.nhs.uk

11. www.meht.nhs.uk