Diabetes UK is committed to equality for all in achieving our mission of ‘improving the lives of people living with diabetes’. We will promote equality and strive towards ensuring that our work meets the needs of diverse communities living in the UK.
We believe that we have much to learn and profit from diverse cultures and perspectives and acknowledge that diversity will make our organisation more effective in meeting the needs of all.
We will continue to raise awareness of diabetes and Diabetes UK to all. The prevalence of diabetes in the South Asian and Black African-Caribbean communities; is up to five times higher than the White population. We recognise that minority ethnic communities are further disadvantaged: (1) an earlier age of onset of both diabetes and its complications; and (2) greater problems in accessing good quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate diabetes information and services.
Diabetes UK also recognises the health inequalities that exist in groups of people that have learning disabilities, mental health, live in residential or institutional care or are Travellers and Gypsies. We will work to eliminate these barriers.
Through our work we will involve and recognise the needs of diverse communities particularly working towards equity of access to good diabetes services for those groups at most risk.
What will Diabetes UK do to reach the needs of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities (BAME)?
- Increase awareness of diabetes and Diabetes UK, through greater community based activities, across diverse communities.
- Improve cultural competence within the organisation through training and employment policies.
- Increase involvement of black and minority ethnic groups through all our work.
- Provide and promote more culturally specific information for those groups at increased risk of having diabetes.
- Bring about greater partnership working with relevant community organisations.
Over the next three years, Diabetes UK will endeavour to actively work towards meeting the needs of the growing and diverse diabetes population. Diabetes UK will provide and promote culturally and linguistically appropriate information and will build relationships with local and national organisations.
We will regularly evaluate and monitor our progress towards diversity.
Diabetes UK accepts our responsibilities set out in the following legislation:
Race Relations Amendment Act 1975 (amended 2000)
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) regulations 2003
Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) regulations 2003.