Inclusivity in the workplace

For centuries, women have endured various forms of prejudice and inequality that have impacted countless areas of life, one important area being their careers. Men were often given a wider selection of career pathways, higher pay and an overall advantage in career progression. Although we have come an incredibly long way as a society to counteract what once was a sexist culture amidst the working environment, there are still gaps in several aspects, one of which appears to be prominent in emergency services and will be the main focus here… uniforms.

The Director of Ambulance Operations at London Ambulance Service, Darren Farmer, stated that although there has been a step in the right direction, “there is much more to do to provide a truly inclusive uniform.”[1]He goes onto express his acute awareness of the fact that “the national uniform offering is not as inclusive as any of us would want it to be”; rapid changes must be made.

Action is being taken within the London Ambulance Service to promote equality in the national ambulance workforce. The supply of enhanced vision trousers, best suited for female staff, will soon be available to use. There will also be an inclusive recruitment initiative taking place, in which the National Ambulance Uniform User Group (NAUUG) which advocates for ambulance personnel working to enhance uniform standards across the sector, will be reactivated and will be embracing new applicants to join the workforce. The goal here from NAUUG is to encourage an impartial and open approach to selecting a diverse group of uniformed staff from all ambulance trusts.[2]

Here are some key areas for swift improvement where current offerings are still lacking:

• Apparel designed to align with religious beliefs.
• Appropriate uniform that is ideal for female employees.
• Availability of specific clothing that is well-suited and comfortable for staff who are pregnant or experiencing menopause.

Procurement Services advocates for inclusive uniforms and has the respective framework to support organisations who are determined to help all staff of various identities feel comfortable, recognised and feel a sense of belonging at work. From maternity wear to turbans, hijabs and full-length skirts, our Uniform, Clothing and Associated Services framework can provide access to a selection of suppliers who can provide inclusive uniform and clothing, not just for women, but also for individuals of ethnic diversity who require specific garments.

For more information on what our framework can offer, please visit here.