Darent Valley hospital - DGT - People Strategy

Foreword

Our five year People Strategy, Happy, Healthy & Heard, sets out an exciting programme of work

as antibody tests and risk assessments for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic staff, and at-risk staff. We have implemented social distancing, and continue to ensure that staff have the right protective equipment for their role, and we have also rapidly expanded our health and wellbeing offer, supported by introducing two new senior roles to oversee the delivery of: • a Time to Talk Team providing confidential, supportive conversations • dedicated wellbeing spaces for staff to relax, recover and re-energise • greater communications including a regular podcast hosted by our Executive Team, with many staff contributing and sharing their experiences and challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic • advice and guidance through leaflets, an improved website and access to support services including counselling • staff sharing their talents whether through running yoga and meditation classes for others to join, or by recording a video of their talents including cocktail making, singing and cooking The commitment of our local communities, faith groups and businesses supporting our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic has been overwhelming; we have been humbled by the kindness, generosity and donations received, including edible treats, home-made cards, masks and scrubs, posters, knitted hearts and comfortable shoes! Our People Strategy seeks to expand on this wellbeing offer to staff and maximise engagement with our community. It is important thatwe focusoncelebratingdiversity and promoting equality to ensure that all staff feel included and supported. We look forward to hearing staff views through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Council, and working together to stamp out discrimination of all kind to improve our staff and patient experience.

that will help staff to: • feel happier at work • live healthier lives

• have their views on how we run the Trust heard Our People Strategy will deliver the Trust’s strategic objective, ‘Joy at Work’, emphasising engagement, equality, diversity and inclusion to ensure staff have a sense of belonging and fulfilment in their roles. Dartford and Gravesham Trust has a highly committed, skilled and diverse workforce, providing care and services of a high quality, maintained through our values-based interview process. Like other Trusts, we have challenges in recruiting to all posts and retaining some staff. This strategy looks at how we: • listen to what staff want • promote agile working • support staff through times of both challenge and celebration The Trust strategy focuses on becoming a learning organisation with continuous improvement at the heart of its culture. We will seek to maximise opportunities for learning and developing staff at all levels and in all roles, working closely with our partners: • Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, through the GST Healthcare Alliance • Kent and Medway through our Integrated Care System • Integrated Care Partnerships in Dartford, consultative and local negotiating committees Staff have shown extraordinary commitment to patient care and supporting each other during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have adapted to new working environments, different roles and new ways of working. We are proud of the positivity, can-do attitude and enthusiasm that staff have shown throughout. The health and wellbeing of our staff is of paramount importance. We have offered testing for symptomatic staff and their families, as well Gravesham and Swanley and in Bexley • staff-side representatives through joint • attract the best talent • train and retain staff

Louise Lester Chief People Officer

Dr. Gill Jenner Non-Executive Director, Chair of Workforce Committee