UHDB signs national pledge to commit to age inclusivity in our workforce
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) has proudly signed the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide initiative led by the Centre for Ageing Better, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees of all ages feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Taking this pledge - which reflects our trust values of Compassion, Openness, and Excellence - is part of a larger movement to improve the recruitment, retention, and development of older workers across the UK.
It aligns with our mission to promote equality, eliminate workplace inequalities, and create a multi-generational workforce where every individual can contribute meaningfully, regardless of age.
Chief Operating Officer Andrew Hall, who is also the Executive Sponsor of UHDB's Age Positive Staff Network, emphasised the significance of the pledge:
“Signing the Age-friendly Employer Pledge is a natural extension of UHDB’s firm commitment to inclusion and belonging. Older workers bring invaluable experience and insight to our workforce, and by creating an age-positive culture, we can ensure they feel supported to thrive and contribute to our delivery of Exceptional Care Together."
Divisional Director of Medicine, Lisa Shacklock, who is the Divisional Sponsor of the Network, added:
"This pledge highlights our dedication to being a fair and inclusive employer for all of our colleagues - no matter their age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality, or any other protected characteristics."
How do we support our older age workforce?
We recognise that, as demographic trends shift, people are working longer for a variety of reasons. Supporting these workers is not only equitable, but vital for retaining their expertise and experience.
In doing so, we provide several practical tools and resources for our older workforce. This includes a flexible Retire and Return policy, allowing our staff to retire while remaining in employment on a part-time or adapted basis - as well as supporting them to maintain a healthy work-life balance as they approach retirement - ensuring they can continue to make an invaluable contribution to our organisation.
Many members of our older workforce make the decision to continue to dedicate their time and skill to the service of our communities by returning to UHDB as volunteers - from providing a warm welcome at our hospital entrances to supporting patients and visitors across wards. These incredible individuals remain an invaluable part of our UHDB community, helping us to deliver Exceptional Care Together.
In addition to this, we have extensive wellbeing support in place thanks to our partnership with the Joined Up Care Derbyshire (JUCD) Wellbeing service, which offers a wide range of services, including mental health support, physical wellness activities, and practical advice. This also includes their extensive support for colleagues navigating or affected by menopause, to help manage their health alongside work responsibilities - such as our regular Menopause Café events which provide a safe space for colleagues to listen, learn, and get practical advice.
What does the Age-friendly Employer Pledge say?
You can read our newly-adopted Age-friendly Employer Pledge in full below.
Why the Age-friendly Employer Pledge matters
Research by the Centre for Ageing Better highlights the urgency of this work. Over one fifth of UK adults aged 50+ report experiencing ageism in the workplace, while nearly half lack confidence that age-related complaints would be taken seriously.
Older workers are integral to meeting workforce demands, and our pledge places the trust among over 100 organisations dedicated to addressing these challenges.
Dr. Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said that by taking "manageable and measurable" steps, employers like UHDB can attract and retain older workers, "reaping the benefits of a multigenerational workforce."
Championing age diversity through the Age Positive Staff Network
UHDB’s Age Positive Staff Network, who have led on bringing about this initiative, provides a platform for employees to share lived experiences, address age-related challenges, and drive change within and outside of the organisation. Network Lead, Evan Blackwood-Pitter, describes it as a “social movement to bring positive change for all.”
The network fosters dialogue and collaboration, supported by the Executive and Divisional Sponsors who champion its efforts at the highest level of the organisation. Together, they aim to shape a culture that embraces diversity and builds a workplace where every colleague - regardless of age - can bring their whole selves to work.