North East Ambulance Service has been named as one of the top performing 
Over the last year, the service has boosted access to its information via a new website, improved access to its service for BSL (British Sign Language) users and reached hundreds of people in diverse communities with information about the service. As well as how to deliver CPR and use defibrillators. Internally, it’s also invested in more resources in supporting its diverse workforce.
The Trust, which employs more than 3,400 people, has maintained its ‘gold award’ for the fourth year running and is one of only 25 organisations nationally to achieve this status in 2024.
The assessment rewards the Trust’s efforts to engage more diverse employees and patients as well as recognising improvements made to services and employment practices.
A spokesperson said at ENEI said “A truly incredible accomplishment that speaks volumes about your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Please share our warmest congratulations with everyone at North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust who made this exceptional achievement possible. We're excited to see your continued progress”.
Over the last year some of this work has included:
- Developed new British Sign Language (BSL) line and other communication support to improve access to services and trained colleagues.
- Launched a more accessible website in January 2024.
- Delivered over 245 events to diverse communities about our services.
- Trained 1,508 people from diverse communities on CPR and defibrillators.
- Secured funding to make our positive action project permanent.
- Worked with regional health watch partners to raise awareness of the message in a bottle scheme.
- Delivered a comprehensive programme of education and awareness event on a diverse range of topics across the year.
- Developed ‘hate crime guide’ and support for colleagues and managers.
- Supported our staff networks to grow and develop.
- Developed more inclusive and reflective recruitment materials.
- Recruited higher levels of people from diverse backgrounds making our service more representative of the communities it serves.
- Expanded and developed our Freedom to Speak Up work.
- Deliver a board and manager Inclusive leadership programme across the Trust
- Exceeded our mandated and statutory obligations in relation to diversity and inclusion.
Chief Executive Officer, Helen Ray said: “I am really proud of our commitment and work on diversity and inclusion, this is an area of work I think is vital to healthy and effective organisations. I’m also happy to see the Trust recognised by ENEI as a GOLD employer for the fourth consecutive year. This demonstrates our support and commitment to this agenda.
“Over recent years, our regions demographic has changed and it’s great to see that this is being reflected in the people that apply and secure work in our organisation and represent us on the front line. We must continue to change an adapt as an employer to ensure we embrace these changes and realise the benefits this inclusive organisations bring.
“We work hard to ensure we treat colleagues and patients with care, compassion and empathy and we ensure people can access our services and have a good experience in the workplace.
“Utilising this framework helps us to measure our progress each year and benchmark against others. We recognise that we still have work to do and we will continue to deliver improvements to our organisation to make NEAS and the North East the best place to live, work and grow”.
More information is available in the annual report on the website: https://