Cultural Inclusion Agent

EEAST is a great place to work, great people, great career opportunities and a career that can take you anywhere. No two days are the same, if you are looking for a varied and supportive environment EEAST can offer you that and more  Hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work: -Great employee benefits: -Our equality networks: -Our vision & values: Before you apply, please visit our how to apply page for full guidance: #Careerforlife Job overview Cultural Inclusion Agents CIAs) (formerly known as Cultural Ambassadors) The East of England Ambulance Service is about to embark on training 30 new Cultural Inclusion Agents (CIAs). The change in name from Cultural Ambassador to Cultural Inclusion Agents (CIAs) is due to the broadening of the remit from race and religion to all 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. We also chose Cultural Inclusion Agent, because the removal of the word ambassador will reduce any confusion with FTSU ambassadors. It also includes the word Inclusion, which is our aim and doesn’t lose the original Culture element in the title. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Cultural Ambassador programme was originally embarked upon by EEAST in November 2020, with the training of 15 Cultural Ambassadors and formally launched in January 2022. It is an award-winning initiative targeting inequality in recruitment and employee relations systems and processes. The new Cultural Inclusion Agents will provide the Trust with an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to staff with any of the 9 protected characteristics. The case for Change:We recognise that if we are to make a difference then we must challenge unconscious bias and discrimination at its core and put in place mechanisms that can ensure that our processes are fairly and consistently applied to meet the needs of the diverse staff who deliver our services. In the recent weeks, 3 Equality surveys (BME, LGBT+ and Disability) have taken place and the reports have been shared. From all three the Equality surveys, there are 4 key themes emerging. Inappropriate language being used A lack of cultural awareness, ignorance pertaining to cultural differences Inappropriate leadership behaviours by line managers Possible direct and/or indirect discrimination in some of our policies Feedback from our staff was the request for more Cultural Ambassadors and for their remit to expanded to all 9 protected characteristics. Main duties of the job The Cultural Inclusion Agent Role: The Cultural Inclusion Agents (CIAs) role is a voluntary role within the Trust. They will provide independent support and guidance to investigating teams and disciplinary, grievance or interview panels, when they are investigating or considering allegations for staff who come under any of the 9 protected characteristics. The CIA will be a full member of the team involved in any of the above. The role of a CIA will be to identify and challenge any issues of less favorably treatment, discrimination and unconscious or conscious bias, which are observed during these formal processes, and ensure that they were taken into consideration in the decision-making process. Working for our organisation Benefits: Build trust with our colleagues. Issues of a cultural or Inclusion nature will be identified and challenged during the formal process. Any acts of bias will be identified and challenged during the formal process. The training and support of the CIA will equip them to carry out their role. CIAs will be included and regarded as part of the investigation teams and grievance / disciplinary hearing and interview panels. CIAs will experience the value of their role in influencing fairer outcomes for our staff. Recruit and retain more staff. Enhance the reputation of the Trust What is on offer to you as a Cultural Inclusion Agent: 4 half days virtual training sessions Bi-monthly meetings with local leads Bi-monthly action learning sets with Cultural Inclusion Agents Full evaluation Next training dates are: 19th – 22nd NovemberAll days run from 9:30am – 1pm. Detailed job description and main responsibilities Skills required by a Cultural Inclusion Agent: Effective communication skills and able to influence and challenge in a diplomatic, or appreciative enquiry manner that is supportive of peers and colleagues Be able to influence the promoting of good working practice and influence others Strong analytical skills to review variety of data and develop range of options A basic understanding of Equality and Human Rights legislation Assertive, self-confident and self-motivated To be solution focus in order to support peers and colleagues find satisfactory outcomes Ability to provide accurate reports and keep confidential records A working knowledge and understanding of the following policies: Bullying and Harassment Grievance and Disciplinary policy and procedure Equality of Opportunity in Employment The undertaking of Equality Analysis Who can become a Cultural Inclusion Agent? Anyone who has a good understanding of equality, inclusion and cultural issues from an NHS or EEAST perspective. Abstraction: Before a decision is made to volunteer to train as a CIA, permission must be sought from the employee’s line manager. The total abstraction required for the training courses is 4 days . A CIA is required to be extremely flexible, as case assignments may be at short notice. Employees interested in becoming a Cultural Inclusion Agent are required to complete an expression of interest form, which needs to be filled in by the employee and endorsed and signed by their manager. This will be provided separately once you have submitted your application via this advert. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Candidates who require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the United Kingdom can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position by assessing their circumstances against the criteria specified on the Check if you need a UK visa - website. We encourage all applicants to review these criteria carefully to understand their eligibility for sponsorship. References and Employment History: All references from current and previous employers, will be sought via their Human Resources Department and must cover a minimum of 3 years employment. Therefore, when completing the reference section of your application form, please give the address, telephone number and email address of the Human Resources Department and indicate your current/previous line manager and their departmental details. All appointments will be subject to currently having a clean disciplinary record. Please be advised that a No Smoking Policy is in operation throughout the Trust. Guaranteed Interview Scheme - Under the Trust's commitment 'Positive about Disabled People', if you consider yourself as having a disability and you meet the minimum selection criteria for any post, you will get an automatic interview. By minimum selection criteria we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application form which demonstrates the essential requirements as set out in the person specification and advertisement for a post. We aim to represent and value the diversity of our local communities through our workforce and service provision. We therefore positively encourage applications, regardless of age, race, religion & belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity or disability.