‘Health and social care services have made some progress in tackling age discrimination, but older people still report feeling that they have had second class treatment and care simply because of their age’. (Age Concern)

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is aware that the workforce is getting older and there is a shortage of younger staff. Research also shows that certain recruitment practices, for example asking for a date of birth in application forms or putting down number of years experience as a job skills requirement, may serve as a deterrent to many young people who may otherwise consider applying for vacancies.

What is the Trust doing?

All Recruitment and section processes are currently under review. The Trust as an employer has a duty to abide by the new age discrimination legislation, which came into force 1 October 2006, protecting future potential and existing employees from being discriminated against on the basis of age. It is also expected that in the government’s effort to modernise and improve public services, age equality requirements will be extended into service delivery and community engagement. Central government will be establishing the new commission for Equality and Human Rights in October 2007 to safeguard these recent legislative developments.

The Trust has published its Single Equality Scheme and will report on the progress in the area annually. Please refer to this document for the Age Action Plan. Age is covered in the Mandatory Equality and Diversity Training that the Trust provides for all its staff.  

For more information:

You can contact the Diversity Team:

Telephone: 01529 222284
Email: Beverley.edwards@lpt.nhs.uk  
Write: The Diversity Team (HR)
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Unit 9, The Point, Lions Way, Sleaford, NG34 8GG