South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust receives RNIB Visibly Better Employer Standard

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Visibly Better Employer Standard.

The trust is the first in the north east of England to receive the award, which acknowledges it as an inclusive and accessible workplace for blind and partially sighted people.

The award has come as the trust celebrates the opening of the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, which opened to patients on 23 July.

Ben Moody, divisional human resources manager at the trust, said: “We are so proud to have achieved the RNIB’s Visibly Better Employer Standard and to be the first NHS trust in the north east to receive this recognition.

“Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to reach their full potential is a key priority for the trust.”

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust worked with the RNIB to ensure that the new hospital met the highest possible accessibility standards ahead of its opening.

The Visibly Better Employer Standard includes six criteria, based around the recruitment, retention and career progression of blind and partially sighted staff.

They include ensuring that job vacancies, recruitment packs and application processes are accessible to people with sight loss, that staff involved in recruitment processes have an understanding of sight loss and how it affects people in the workplace, and that employees with sight loss have the necessary adjustments in place to allow them to do their jobs.

The RNIB also monitors the number of blind and partially sighted staff appointed and retained by organisations with the accreditation.

Katie Morgan-Jones, RNIB’s inclusive employment consultant for the Visibly Better Employer team, said that it was a pleasure working with the trust as they achieved the Visibly Better Employer Quality Standard.

“The trust has taken meaningful steps to remove barriers to build a truly inclusive culture and has a genuine commitment to creating a workplace where blind and partially sighted people can succeed and thrive,” Morgan-Jones said.

She noted: “Achieving the Visibly Better Employer Standard demonstrates that inclusive and accessible practices can and should be embedded into every workplace. The trust recognises that attracting people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and skill sets strengthens both its workforce and the services it provides.

“This achievement sends a clear message to people with sight loss that they can apply for roles with confidence, knowing they will be supported throughout their journey and able to develop and progress their careers across the trust. I look forward to seeing the trust build on this success and continue to serve as an example of inclusive employment practice across the NHS.”

The trust also runs Sunderland Royal Hospital, South Tyneside General Hospital, and community health centres in locations including Durham, Gateshead, Houghton-le-Spring, South Tyneside and Washington, all of which are now covered by the Visibly Better Employer Standard.

Moody said: “Working closely with RNIB has helped us strengthen our recruitment practices, workplace support and career development opportunities for blind and partially sighted colleagues.

“As we open the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, it is particularly meaningful that this achievement reflects not only our commitment to providing accessible services for patients, but also to creating rewarding career opportunities for people with sight loss across our organisation.”

He added: “We hope this recognition encourages even more talented people to consider joining our workforce.”