Equality Delivery System (EDS)

The NHS Equality and Diversity Council (EDC) developed an Equality Delivery System (EDS) for use within the NHS. The EDS is designed to provide a framework for NHS organisations to use to demonstrate compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and progress in reducing inequalities for protected groups.

It is an important tool to support our organisation in fulfilling their Public Sector Equality Duties by formally reporting against the national framework giving assurance that our priorities are in line with our Health Economy. It emphasises genuine engagement, transparency and the effective use of evidence.

In line with the general duties in the Equality Act 2010 and guidance from the Department of Health, we are in the process of replacing our Fairness Scheme with the Equality Delivery System (EDS) from 1^st April 2012. This process will ensure that we also give due regard to gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity, which were not explicitly included in our Fairness Scheme.

The EDS also requires us to work with our ‘local interests’, including local communities and key stakeholders to identify our priority four year, equality objectives, setting out our commitment to equality and diversity and our plan to deliver this.

To view our equality objectives please click here.