Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Equality, Diversity and Career Progression in the National Health Service

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate occupational therapists' perceptions of equality, diversity and career progression in the National Health Service (NHS). A quantitative national survey was undertaken and 396 occupational therapists responded. The findings were assessed in relation to the respondents' own beliefs about equality and diversity. The key findings included that although the NHS is actively attempting to address equality and diversity issues, it is apparent that occupational therapists working within the NHS still perceive that problems exist. For example, 57% of respondents thought that women generally experienced some barriers to career progression, 71% perceived that people with disabilities experienced barriers to career progression, 73% thought that black and minority ethnic groups were not well represented in the occupational therapy profession, 62% thought ethnic minorities were not well represented in senior NHS positions and 36% thought that people with a different sexual orientation would experience barriers to career progression. The article concludes that policy and procedures are making a difference in the NHS. However, staff at all grades and levels must be empowered to feel motivated and to be able to take policy and ‘make it real’, that is, to ensure that policies and guidelines link to employee perceptions of workplace reality. It is imperative to recognise and address current workforce perceptions in order to achieve change within the NHS workforce. The successful implementation of equality and diversity in the NHS is related to a (CARING) framework, developed from study findings. The framework promotes culture change and obligations underwritten.