Promoting Equality and Diversity

WEDHS believes that 'race' and ethnicity are important research variables that must feature in all health and social care research and development activities in Wales in order that improvements in policy and practice are beneficial to all. Committed to tackling the impact and consequences of racism in its many guises, WEDHS will:

• promote understanding of the importance of equality
• encourage good practice in relation to equality and diversity
• promote equality of opportunity
• work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination and the promotion of equality and diversity in health and social care research, policy and practice in Wales.

What do we mean by BME people?

Research shows that the terminology used to describe different ethnic groups-not least those that have been racialised, minoritised, marginalised, or oppressed-is fraught with difficulties.

In the UK, the terms 'minority ethnic' or 'ethnic minorities' are most often used to refer to all minority groups of the population not indigenous to the UK that hold cultural traditions and values derived, at least in part, from countries of their or their ancestors' origin.

The term 'black' is often used not to differentiate black minority groups from other minority ethnic groups, but rather to ensure that the continuing impact of the legacy of racism remains highlighted and is made problematic.

The term 'black and minority ethnic'(BME) people, populations and groups will be used on this website. However, our general approach to conducting research will be to move from the general categories to specific groups, thereby ensuring our knowledge and understanding of differences both within and between groups, in any given locale, increases.

Why do we need more information?

Although equality of access to healthcare and related social care/welfare on the basis of need was one of the founding principles of the National Health Service, at its establishment in 1948, health inequalities continue, particularly for BME individuals and groups.

Research shows that in general BME people are at greater risk of poor physical and mental health and, in some cases, serious illness and early death due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of their physical, social and emotional needs.

The number of black and minority ethnic people living in Wales has grown considerably in the last twenty years, and this is likely to continue. Yet relatively little is know about who lives where, and under what circumstances.

In order to shape and create appropriate, 'joined-up' treatment, information and care in areas where they are most needed - both geographically and topically, a clearer picture of the BME population is essential.

WEDHS work will focus on obtaining detailed information on the factors influencing health and wellbeing; filling in the gaps about the circumstances, lifestyles and living conditions of BME people across Wales; from rural and agricultural areas through to tourist towns and industrialised regions.

Where does the Welsh Language fit in?

A key feature of the equality agenda in Wales is the use and promotion of the Welsh Language.

Although the Welsh Language Act 1993 played a pivotal role in putting Welsh on a level pegging with English, by placing a duty on the public sector to treat both languages on an equal basis, it also recognised the importance of continuing to facilitate development. In addition to giving Welsh speakers an absolute right to speak Welsh in court, the Act established the Welsh Language Board; responsible for overseeing the delivery of its promises.

The Board's strategy was to draw attention to "the fact that not all challenges facing a language are linguistic.and [that] other organisations, whose main remit extends beyond the promotion of the language, must also take responsibility for its future."

In response to this, The Language Awareness Infrastructure Support Service (LLAIS) was established in March 2006 to "ensure that health and social care research in Wales takes full account of the bilingual nature of Wales and its speakers, and to enhance the delivery of health and social care services to Welsh speakers in Wales".

LLAIS' main aims are:

• To raise awareness of the implications of language choice for service users in relation to clinical, legislative and statutory requirements.
• To advise research networks in Wales to take account of the Welsh language and culture in the planning of research and development projects.
• To offer guidance and support about enhancing Welsh language and cultural awareness at each stage of the research process.
• To enable the integration of research findings related to the health and social care needs of Welsh speakers into mainstream policy.

WEDHS fully supports the work of LLAIS and sees it as key to the wider development of culturally, as well as linguistically appropriate health and social care services.

Fundamental to the development of standards that will allow for the participation of people in research whose first language is not English, WEDHS will continue to seek advice and support from LLAIS on an on-going basis.

How does this link with The Equalities Agenda?

The research and development of services that recognises, and provides for, difference is essential to achieving the Government's overall vision of a society based on fair and equal treatment for all.

The Government has supported this agenda; to respect the dignity and value of each person, by making some important legislative changes. The Sex Discrimination, Race Relations and Disability Discrimination Acts have been supplemented with The Human Rights and Race Relations (Amended) Acts in order to increase the power of the individual in matters of discrimination - particularly within the public sector and public authorities.

In addition to this increased focus on the active promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations between all racial groups, the body of anti-discrimination law is soon to be further strengthened by new legislation to outlaw discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief, or age.

This legislation will have a powerful impact on research, adding greatly to the ethical principle that all members of a society are entitled to enjoy both the burdens and benefits of research and moreover, that all members of Welsh society benefit from improvements in health and social care services.

How can I find out more?

Search the WEDHS library for more information and resources linked to equality and diversity.