Doctors with Disabilities

Severn Deanery Guidance Notes for doctors with disabilities.

Principles

The Severn Deanery is responsible for managing postgraduate education and training for doctors and dentists. It is committed to upholding the Equality Act 2010 and the prevention of discrimination on the basis of disability. From 1 October 2010, the Equality Act consolidated nine separate pieces of anti-discrimination legislation (including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) into a single Act.

Some of the most significant changes made by the Equality Act 2010 affects the law on disability discrimination. The Severn Deanery is committed to adhering to this new legislation – including new legislation about indirect, associative and perceptive discrimination.

• The Severn Deanery carries out its responsibility through educational contracts with NHS trusts that employ doctors and dentists in training. In addressing issues of disability discrimination, the Severn Deanery is mindful of the complex relationships and of the numerous Human Resources and Equality policies that may be applicable
• The Severn Deanery currently monitors disability as part of the Quality Assurance and Human Resources data set in order to work towards the prevention and resolution of discrimination in relation to disability. The Deanery is working on a continued data capture concerning Equal Opportunities characteristics via a prioritised Information Technology project
• The Severn Deanery utilises the guarantee interview scheme for those with a disability requiring specific assistance during the recruitment and interview process
• We will seek to meet individual trainees with disabilities requirements when visiting the Severn Deanery at Deanery House, for example car parking arrangements
• The Severn Deanery is also committed to helping trainees achieve their full potential and is dedicated to equality for all, where no trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of disability – acknowledging that discrimination arising from a disability is forbidden in law

Guidance

• If a member of staff has a disability or develops a disability during their time undertaking training on a Severn Deanery programme, the Deanery will seek to work with the employing trusts to ensure reasonable adjustments are made to prevent them being placed at a substantial disadvantage in all aspects of employment including recruitment and selection, training, transfer, career development and retention.
• If a trainee has a disability or develops a disability during their training, they will, if necessary, request assistance from their Director of Medical Education and the Trust by whom they are employed, in line with that Trust’s Equality and Diversity Policy and other Human Resources policies.
• If a trainee has a disability or develops a disability during their training and feels they are not getting sufficient support, the Deanery will offer them any necessary and additional advice and support.
• The Deanery aims to resolve concerns raised by staff at an early stage. If a staff member feels they have been discriminated against, victimised or harassed on the grounds of disability they should speak to their line manager or Human Resources Adviser in the first instance.
• The Deanery will, if necessary, support trainees to ensure their concerns or issues are resolved as soon as possible.

November 2010