The Voices for Change programme is being delivered by NHS Dumfries and Galloway in partnership with the charity DG Voice and the Violence Against Women and Girls subcommittee of Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Partnership.
It is one of 13 projects that successfully applied to the Scottish Government’s Workplace Equality Fund, driving forward Scotland’s Fair Work Framework.
The fund is being administered by Advice Direct Scotland, and recipients will now receive grants to address long-standing barriers in the labour market.
The first phase of the project in Dumfries and Galloway will enable the voices of women and disabled people experiencing issues in relation to age, menopause, gender-based violence or returning to work after a career break to be heard.
Phase two will focus on implementing key actions that will contribute to sustained change and improvements in the experience of women and disabled people.
Around 200 workers will be targeted by the project with a potential reach of around 4000.
The partner organisations have committed to sharing any lessons learned across Dumfries and Galloway communities and the wider NHS and social care network, as well as with other projects seeking to enhance workplace equality in rural settings.
Caroline Cooksey, workforce director for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “I am delighted that NHS Dumfries and Galloway have been awarded funding from the Workplace Equality Fund to support the ‘Voices for Change’ project.
“Research shows that women and disabled people experience inequalities within employment across the UK.
“The two-year project will enable our staff to have voice and will increase our knowledge and understanding of the experiences of women and disabled employees working within NHS D&G, in order to effect meaningful cultural change, and ultimately create a more inclusive workplace.”
