Faith in Focus - Speak Up Week 2025
NHS Grampian Staff Equalites Network
Speak Up Week 2025
Listening with Respect – 'Why faith matters in a speak up culture'
By Liz Howarth, NHS Grampian Engagement and Inclusion Manager
This autumn the Staff Equalities Network seems to have gravitated towards a focus on faith and belief, and so for Speak Up Week 2025, I reflect upon the role of faith and belief in the workplace and also in today’s society.
As a starting point for this undertaking, I considered Scotland’s Census data to be a logical place to begin. Upon inspection, I discovered that in 2022, for the first time, a majority of the population identify as having no faith – with 51% of people in Scotland reporting to have no religion. The data also showed a decline in traditional Christian faiths, but also shows a small increase in minority faiths.
This means for many of us, faith and belief may not be the first thing we think of when considering what makes an inclusive team or workplace. But in a diverse organisation like NHS Grampian, it is important to recognise how faith and belief can form core aspects of our colleague’s identities and influence the lens through which many view the world.
In Staff Equalities Network (SEN), we talk a lot about intersectionality which shapes the way each of us uniquely experiences the world and everyday interactions. When people feel that their identity – including their faith and belief is acknowledged and valued, they are more likely to feel psychologically safe to speak up, raise concerns and contribute to positive change.
For example, faith and belief can influence when and what people eat, take breaks or need to take time off work. It can shape how individuals approach sensitive conversations, express concerns, deal with difficult situations and seek support. This is why it is so important that as an organisation, our culture is not only inclusive, but that our response to raising concerns is culturally sensitive.
Grampian is home to a rich tapestry of faiths and cultures, and a workforce which understands and respects this diversity is better equipped to provide culturally sensitive care and support, improving outcomes for both patients and for colleagues. This is why, in an organisation like NHS Grampian, religious and cultural diversity is not just a demographic fact – it’s a strength and a source of pride.
This is why, we have been working together with our colleagues and our Catering Team at ARI to co-curate some special lunch time menus for you to enjoy. In the coming weeks, we’ll be marking Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year on 30th September and then Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light on 6th November, and in the best way we know how – together, and with delicious food at Orange Zone café, ARI. So put these dates in your dairy, and come along in your teams to celebrate with your colleagues, everyone is welcome!
In addition, the Staff Equalities Network is looking forwards to welcoming our new Head of Spiritual Care, Gordon Strang on Wednesday 15th October, when he’ll share his vision for how our spiritual care team can contribute to a more inclusive work place for everyone.
You can find out more by checking out our most recent Staff Equalities Bulletin here
- or by emailing gram.staffequalities@nhs.scot
