Equality and diversity as a way of delivering the wider health and social care agenda

The author argues that equality of opportunity is the core value underpinning the public sector. It is the big idea that staff and managers can get behind and use to turn NHS trusts and local authorities into the type of organisations that can successfully deliver the health and social care agenda. The author further argues that such organisations are characterised by a culture of trust and fairness where staff feel valued and a high value is placed on managers' people management skills.