Introduction
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) is committed to delivering excellent, timely and compassionate care for everyone who uses our services, and to creating an inclusive workplace where all colleagues can contribute and thrive.
We know that people do not experience healthcare – or working life – in the same way. Differences in need, access, experience and outcomes exist, and if they are not actively understood and addressed, they can undermine safety, quality and trust.
As a major employer and contributor to the local economy, CUH can improve outcomes for our population and our people by working beyond the hospital — supporting good work, local communities, sustainability and place‑based partnerships.
This strategy sets out how we will reduce these differences by focusing on two connected pillars: our population and our people. It describes how we will strengthen the foundations that support delivery; using better data and insight, clearer accountability and governance, and a culture that supports safe, inclusive practice.
Equity will be built into how we deliver care, improve services and make decisions every day.
Ambition
Build on and strengthen a high-performing inclusive CUH where our population has equitable access,experiences and outcomes and our people have equal opportunity, voice and progression — with clear ownership, good data and simple governance to turn plans into action.
EDI is embedded into all areas of our strategy
We recognise that people have different needs — and therefore need to design our services and workplaces so everyone can access support, have a good experience and achieve good outcomes.
Deliver excellent and timely care
Delivering excellent and timely care depends on understanding and responding to the different needs of both patients and staff. Inequality in access can lead to delays, poorer experiences and worse outcomes for some groups, while poor staff experience can reduce safety, continuity and quality of care. Conversely, where our waiting lists are shorter, all groups are more likely to experience better access to care. By reducing inequalities and improving inclusion, we make sure care is designed and delivered in ways that work for more people, enabling safer, more reliable and more compassionate care every day.
Transform how and where we deliver care
Transforming care requires new models, new ways of working and new uses of data and technology. If equity is not built-in during design, these changes risk widening existing gaps in access and outcomes. By embedding EDI into transformation, for both our population and staff, we will strive to develop new services that are accessible, inclusive and shaped by the people who use and deliver them, supporting sustainable change rather than creating unintended barriers.
Harness research and innovation
Research and innovation are most effective when they reflect and benefit the full diversity of our population and workforce. Inequalities can limit who takes part, whose needs are prioritised and who benefits from new approaches. By improving our approach to EDI, we widen participation, strengthen insight from lived experience and ensure innovation leads to improvements in outcomes for all, not just some.