NHS Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES)

What is the Workforce Disability Equality Standard?

The Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES) is a set of specific measures (metrics) that will enable NHS trusts to compare the experiences of disabled and non-disabled staff. This information will be used by trusts to develop local action plans, and demonstrate progress against the indicators of disability equality.

Making a difference for disabled staff

WDES is important, because research shows that a motivated, included and valued workforce helps to deliver high quality patient care, increased patient satisfaction and improved patient safety.

The implementation of the WDES will enable us to better understand the experiences of our disabled staff. It will support positive change for existing employees, and enable a more inclusive environment for disabled people working in the NHS. It is part modelled on the Workforce Race Equality Standard.

NHS Workforce Disability Equality Standard Technical Guidance can be viewed here. 

Click here for the 2023 WDES Action Plan 

For further information on WDES click here.

Contact

Should you have any queries about our WDES programme please email hpft.equality@nhs.net