Inclusion and belonging conference: Earlier this week, colleagues from across DCHS met at our inclusion and belonging conference where we proudly launched the new carers' staff network. Our chief executive, Jim Austin, signed the carers' pledge alongside the chair of the network, Jemma Walker. Click here to see the photos. For any queries or interest in joining the network, please email dchst.carersnetwork@nhs.net.
Admin forum: If you’re non-clinical and class yourself as working in an admin role, even if you don’t have 'administrator' in your job title, please consider joining the bi-monthly admin forum meetings. It’s a great place for peer support, sharing information and finding out what new developments may affect you. Colleagues can bring discussion items, or just listen to the guest speakers. At the June forum, we’ve invited Helen Cooper, deputy director of people and organisational effectiveness, for a Q&A session on the admin skills and functions development programme. We've also got colleagues joining us to give advice on freedom of information requests, bidding for charitable funds and the new digital ReSPECT form. You can join the session on Wednesday 18 June, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, on MS Teams, click here to join on the day. For more information, or to see summaries from previous forums, click here.
Food caddy delivery: Food caddies will be delivered to all sites by 20 June. Staff are required to place food waste in specific food bins, known as food caddies.
These should be placed in staff kitchens and staff rooms where required. Please use the clear plastic liners, which are provided with the caddie itself. The food waste then should be placed into the larger bins provided at each site.
Latest edition of Where’s the Teaspoon? is now live: In the latest episode of our podcast, we chatted with Jemma Walker, who is an integrated community team lead as well as chair of the new carers' network, about the launch of the network and her personal story of advocating for carers' rights. Listen on Spotify here or YouTube (with subtitles) here.
Smartcard software update: Colleagues at ArdenGem are rolling out a software update for all smartcards. This update will be implemented in two stages. If you encounter this update prompt, simply click 'OK' and allow the update to proceed, thank you.
Reciprocal mentoring: This first round of reciprocal mentoring focuses on pairing ambitious ethnic minority colleagues with mentors from different backgrounds who have experience of recruitment processes and career progression. We already have five pairs up and running and we're still looking for more colleagues to join the programme.
Why Join?
- Career Growth: boost confidence, skills and career progression
- Diverse perspectives: gain insights from lived experiences, build connections and influence change
- Inclusive culture: foster respect, inclusion and continuous learning.
What’s Included?:
- A carefully matched mentoring partner
- An introductory session to guide your journey
- Ongoing support and resources.
To find out more, or to apply, please contact linda.kiernan@nhs.net.
Staff engagement sessions on race and disability equality: We invite you to attend virtual sessions on 21 August, and 4 and 16 September to go through our 2025 information on the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) and NHS Workforce Disability Standard (WDES). Your participation will help shape a more inclusive workforce and environment. Find out more here.
RSE Day – Thursday 26 June: Next week we’re marking relationships and sex education (RSE) week across Derby and Derbyshire, culminating in RSE day on Thursday 26 June. This year’s theme is 'communicate', with a focus on how good communication supports healthy, respectful relationships of all kinds. The sexual health communications team will be sharing resources and messages across the week via our social media channels, in collaboration with teen health and family health services. Posts will highlight how our brilliant services can support young people and families to talk more openly about relationships and sexual health. You can explore the national campaign and download resources, including activities for schools and families, here.
ESR essential maintenance: ESR will be unavailable from 6pm on Friday 27 June until 11.59pm on Sunday 29 June for essential maintenance.
Kindness into action – creating and sustaining a kinder culture at DCHS: Join our 90-minute interactive masterclass to explore how everyday behaviours shape our workplace culture. You’ll reflect on what makes a good or bad day at work, what drives engagement, and how to have a positive influence on teamwork, safety and quality. This evidence-based session offers practical tools to:
- Role model values-led behaviours
- Speak up about attitudes and behaviours
- Foster belonging, equality and inclusion
- Recognise and address poor behaviours
- Build motivation and energy for change.
Upcoming sessions (via MS Teams) are available to book via this link on the following dates: Wednesday 18 June, 10am - 11.30am; and Wednesday 16 July, 1.30pm - 3pm.
Take a look at this poster for more information.
APNA NHS annual conference: Asian Professionals’ National Alliance (APNA NHS) is a voluntary organisation constituting health and social care professionals of south Asian heritage working in the NHS and local authorities. APNA NHS aspires to amplify south Asian voices, influence policies, promote the values of equality, diversity and inclusion and champion health equity. Dedicated to addressing health inequalities, combating racism and ensuring equal representation, APNA NHS is a catalyst for change. Through collaboration, we celebrate our cultural diversity, striving for a more inclusive NHS that values and benefits from our shared experiences for the benefit of patients and carers. Click here to read more.
Digital ReSPECT on Derbyshire Shared Care Record now live: Digital ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) is now live on the Derbyshire shared care record for colleagues across DCHS. The roll out of the new digital plans began earlier this month and will allow multiple organisations to contribute to and update a single document, helping to reduce the risk of patients having multiple active ReSPECT plans provided by different organisations. This will also help to improve the experience of patients and their families. Colleagues working in primary care, hospices, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and DCHS are now completing digital ReSPECT plans, with further organisations to go live in the coming weeks.
In order to access the new digital ReSPECT plans, please ensure you have access to DSCR. If you need further information or support on the DSCR, please contact: crhft.DSCRservicedesk@nhs.net or call 01246 512 646. Further information is available here. Weekly drop-in training and Q&A sessions take place from 12.30 until 1.30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday via MS Teams.
Energy savings support patient care – each small action counts: Across the Trust we are taking simple, everyday steps to cut energy use, to save money and help build a more financially resilient NHS. If you have a smart idea to help us save energy, send it to dchst.communications@nhs.net – your suggestion could inspire others and be featured in future updates. Energy-saving tip: Shut down computers and monitors, don’t just leave them on standby. One monitor left on can cost £10 per year. Across the Trust? Thousands. Help us cut the waste – power down.
Quality Conversations sessions: All upcoming Quality Conversations sessions for July and August are now available. Whether you're looking to build your skills, connect with peers or dive into important topics that impact our work, there’s a session for you. Don’t miss your chance to book early here and secure your spot.
