New Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging framework published
13 August 2024
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)’s new framework is critical to the successful delivery of its Strategy, through to 2030.
Our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) framework builds on the progress we’ve made following the publication of our previous and very first framework for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in 2021.
Our new framework outlines where we are now and the work we have done since 2021. For example, we have:
- co-funded research into the experiences of under-represented groups in education and training (UrGEnT), to understand how to better support educators and students to speak up against discrimination
- revised our Graduate Outcomes and Standards for Education and Training, setting expectations for education providers to make sure all osteopathic students see a diverse range of patients as part of their clinical training
- changed the way we advertise for our non-executive (Council and Committee) positions, and as a result, have continued to see an increase in the diversity of applicants, across the full range of protected characteristics
- published guidance on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging for osteopaths, including resources to support CPD
Our new framework also sets out where we hope to be by 2030, and how we hope to make progress in promoting equity, valuing diversity, embracing inclusivity and creating belonging.
Our Chief Executive, Matthew Redford said:
‘We’ve learned a lot over these past three years since we launched our first framework. Most importantly we’ve learned that progress cannot be made without recognising and taking account of the barriers that exist for some people, based only on their gender, sexuality, race, age or disability. This is why our focus has shifted slightly, to promoting equity, which means striving for equal access and opportunity for all; recognising the disadvantages and inequalities some people face and doing our best to tackle these in our work.
‘I’m very proud of our work so far, but I recognise, as my colleagues do, that this work does not necessarily have an end point. We will consistently seek to make sure our approach is inclusive, fair and free from discrimination.’
Read our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging framework 2024-30
Find out more about our work on equality, diversity and inclusion since 2021
Our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging framework is also available in Welsh.
Mae ein fframwaith Tegwch, Amrywiaeth, Cynhwysiant a Pherthyn hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg.