Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is recommended to be embedded at the heart of LOCs and the concept celebrates the differences of people’s personal characteristics. In our LOCs, it is important to appreciate the contributions of optometrists and dispensing opticians of all ages, genders, races and cultural backgrounds, along with their varied skills, abilities, experiences and perspectives.
In line with LOCSU’s values of inclusion and being supportive – the message to LOCs is to create an encouraging environment that welcomes and values all people and their unique contributions to create increasingly diverse committees.
It is about making the best use of the talents of LOC members, especially among those who have historically been under-represented and disadvantaged.
About the programme
The programme runs annually and is a comprehensive organisational development programme which helps organisations advance equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.
Delivered through a year-long series of events, the 2024/25 programme started in September 2024 with a virtual session for board members, there will be four face-to-face interactive modules and specialist virtual masterclasses. A new addition to the 2024/25 programme will be a series of drop-in networking sessions for LOCSU’s EDI lead.
The programme provides access to leading industry experts, good practice, guidance, resources and networking opportunities. It is designed around and reflects the ambitions and requirements of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and NHS EDI improvement plan.
Built on a foundation of delivering successful diversity and inclusion partners programmes, this initiative provides thought leadership, tools and tips to help put organisations at the forefront of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practice.
Watch this short animation to find out more about the programme
The programme aims to support:
- leaders to integrate the latest sustainable diversity and inclusion practices
- organisations to be the best employers and service providers they can be
- efforts to achieve the requirements of NHS and other external benchmarks and standards.
On joining the programme, LOCSU secured permissions to share the learning and documents with LOCs and the scope to invite some LOCs who have an interest in EDI to attend webinars for first hand learning. This will be on a first come, first served basis as there are limited places available. Please email info@locsu.co.uk to register your interest with a short statement explaining why you would like to attend on behalf of your LOC.
We can now share a link to the recording of our board masterclass that took place on 11 September on systemic cultural change. We have also included links to various resources that supported the session theme.
Resources referenced by the masterclass panellists:
Luftur Ali, Chartered Institute of Personnel Development:
Professor Udy Archibong MBE, University of Bradford:
Professor Mustafa Ozbilgin, Brunel Business School:
NHS Employers and NHS Confederation resources:
NHS Confederation’s Leadership Support Networks
Join these free networks that support members and allies to tackle healthcare and workforce inequalities and advance leadership diversity.