RECRUITMENT POLICY

Equality and Diversity Policy

1. Purpose
Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd. is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of its operations. This policy aims to ensure that no individual or group is treated unfairly or less favourably based on personal characteristics such as age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We strive to create an inclusive and respectful environment for staff, patients, and visitors. 

2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, patients, suppliers, and visitors of Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd. It covers recruitment, employment, service delivery, and all other activities of the clinic. 

3. Policy Statement
Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd. is dedicated to: 

  • Providing equality of opportunity for all staff and patients. 

  • Promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. 

  • Eliminating discrimination, harassment, victimization, and any form of unfair treatment. 

  • Complying with the Equality Act 2010 and all other relevant legislation. 

4. Responsibilities

  • Staff: All staff members are responsible for treating colleagues, patients, and visitors with fairness, respect, and dignity. Any form of discriminatory behaviour, whether direct or indirect, will not be tolerated. 

  • Management: The management team is responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring it is implemented throughout the clinic. Managers must lead by example, addressing any concerns related to equality and diversity promptly and professionally. 

  • Patients and Visitors: Patients and visitors are also expected to respect the principles of equality and diversity during their time at the clinic. 

5. Protected Characteristics
Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd. ensures that no one is discriminated against based on the following protected characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010: 

  • Age 

  • Disability 

  • Gender reassignment 

  • Marriage or civil partnership 

  • Pregnancy and maternity 

  • Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin) 

  • Religion or belief 

  • Sex (gender) 

  • Sexual orientation 

6. Commitment to Equality

6.1. Recruitment and Employment

  • We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices are fair, transparent, and based solely on merit. 

  • All job applicants will be treated equally, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. 

  • Reasonable adjustments will be made for candidates with disabilities to ensure fair access to job opportunities. 

6.2. Training and Development

  • All employees will have equal access to training and development opportunities. 

  • We aim to provide a supportive work environment where all staff are encouraged to reach their full potential. 

6.3. Service Delivery

  • We are committed to providing accessible services that meet the diverse needs of all patients. 

  • We will take into account any individual needs related to disability, language, or cultural background to ensure an inclusive service. 

  • Reasonable adjustments will be made where necessary to accommodate patients with disabilities, including accessible facilities and communication aids. 

7. Harassment and Bullying
Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd. will not tolerate harassment, bullying, or any form of intimidating behaviour towards staff, patients, or visitors. All allegations of harassment or bullying will be taken seriously and addressed promptly in accordance with the clinic’s grievance and disciplinary procedures. 

8. Complaints and Grievances
Any employee, patient, or visitor who believes they have been discriminated against, harassed, or treated unfairly may raise a complaint. Complaints will be handled confidentially and promptly, and appropriate action will be taken to address the issue. The following procedures are available for addressing complaints: 

  • Staff Complaints: Staff can raise concerns through the clinic’s internal grievance procedures. 

  • Patient Complaints: Patients who feel they have experienced discrimination can raise their concerns with the clinic manager or through the formal complaints process. 

9. Monitoring and Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it reflects current legislation and best practices. 

  • Regular monitoring of equality and diversity practices will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of this policy. 

  • Feedback from staff and patients regarding equality and diversity will be encouraged and used to make improvements where necessary. 

10. Legal Framework
This policy complies with relevant legislation, including: 

  • Equality Act 2010 

  • Human Rights Act 1998 

  • Employment Rights Act 1996 

11. Conclusion
Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd. is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We believe that diversity enriches our clinic and enhances the quality of care we provide. By treating everyone with respect and fairness, we aim to maintain a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. 

PATIENT SAFETY INCIDENT RESPONSE FRAMEWORK (PSIRF) 

1. Purpose 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd is committed to providing safe, high-quality physiotherapy services and promoting a culture of openness, learning and continuous improvement. 

This Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) describes how the organisation responds to patient safety incidents within its community physiotherapy service. The framework aims to ensure that incidents are reviewed proportionately, learning is identified and shared, and improvements are implemented to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. 

This framework supports a just culture, recognising that most patient safety incidents arise from system factors rather than individual blame. 

2. Scope 

This framework applies to all associates, physiotherapists, managers and administrative staff working on behalf of Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd within community physiotherapy clinics and GP practice locations. 

It covers: 

  • Patient safety incidents 

  • Near misses 

  • No-harm incidents 

  • Moderate and severe patient harm events 

  • Patient safety concerns raised by staff or patients 

This framework does not replace statutory reporting requirements, safeguarding procedures, complaints management or professional regulatory responsibilities. 

3. Our Principles 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd will ensure that: 

  • Patient safety remains our highest priority. 

  • Staff feel confident reporting incidents without fear of blame. 

  • Incidents are reviewed proportionately according to the level of risk. 

  • Patients are treated openly and honestly. 

  • Learning is shared across the organisation. 

  • Improvements are monitored to ensure they are effective. 

4. Reporting Patient Safety Incidents 

Any member of staff who becomes aware of a patient safety incident or near miss must complete the Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd Incident Report Form as soon as possible. 

Completed incident forms must be submitted to: 

Nicola Yates – Clinical Lead 

Nicola will: 

  • review the information submitted 

  • assess the level of risk 

  • determine whether immediate action is required 

  • identify the most appropriate review method 

  • escalate significant incidents to senior management where appropriate 

Where immediate patient safety concerns exist, action must always be taken before completing documentation. 

5. Responding to Incidents 

The response to each incident will be proportionate to the level of harm and learning potential. 

Possible responses include: 

Immediate Review 

For low-risk incidents requiring immediate corrective action only. 

Learning Review 

Used where there is an opportunity to identify improvements in practice without undertaking a formal investigation. 

After Action Review 

Used where several staff members were involved and collective learning would be beneficial. 

Patient Safety Incident Investigation (where appropriate) 

A more detailed review may be undertaken if an incident has resulted in significant harm or where there is substantial potential for organisational learning. 

The purpose of every review is to understand what happened, why it happened and what improvements can be made, rather than attributing blame. 

6. Patient and Family Involvement 

Where appropriate, patients and, where applicable, their families will be involved in the review process. 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd is committed to: 

  • open communication 

  • honesty 

  • timely explanations 

  • compassionate responses 

  • involving patients in learning where appropriate 

Where the statutory Duty of Candour applies, it will be followed in accordance with current legislation. 

7. Learning and Improvement 

Learning identified from incidents will be used to improve patient safety. 

Actions may include: 

  • updating clinical guidance 

  • additional supervision 

  • reflective practice 

  • clinical education 

  • documentation improvements 

  • communication improvements 

  • changes to local procedures 

Learning may be shared through: 

  • Clinical Governance Meetings 

  • Team meetings 

  • Clinical supervision 

  • Staff newsletters 

  • Training sessions 

Action plans will be monitored until completed. 

8. Roles and Responsibilities 

All Staff 

All staff are responsible for: 

  • providing safe care 

  • reporting incidents promptly 

  • participating in reviews when requested 

  • implementing agreed improvements 

Clinical Lead (Nicola Yates) 

The Clinical Lead is responsible for: 

  • reviewing incident reports 

  • determining the appropriate response 

  • overseeing investigations where required 

  • ensuring learning is shared 

  • monitoring completion of action plans 

Directors & CEO 

The Directors/CEO are responsible for ensuring: 

  • effective governance arrangements 

  • adequate resources for patient safety 

  • oversight of significant incidents 

  • continuous improvement of patient safety systems 

9. Duty of Candour 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd is committed to being open and honest when something goes wrong. 

Where required, patients will receive: 

  • a timely explanation 

  • an apology where appropriate 

  • information about the review process 

  • updates throughout the investigation 

  • details of any improvements made as a result 

10. Monitoring 

The effectiveness of this framework will be monitored through: 

  • incident trends 

  • action plan completion 

  • governance meetings 

  • recurring themes 

  • patient feedback 

  • complaints and compliments 

This framework will be reviewed annually or sooner if national guidance changes. 

MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING POLICY

1. Purpose 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd is committed to conducting business ethically and with integrity. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, servitude and human trafficking in all aspects of our business and supply chains. 

This policy demonstrates our commitment to preventing modern slavery and ensuring that our organisation, employees, associates and suppliers operate in a lawful and ethical manner. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

  • All Directors 

  • Associates and physiotherapists working on behalf of Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd 

  • Managers 

  • Administrative staff 

  • Contractors 

  • Agency workers 

  • Suppliers and service providers 

3. Our Commitment 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd is committed to: 

  • Complying with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. 

  • Acting ethically in all business relationships. 

  • Promoting fair, safe and lawful working practices. 

  • Ensuring that modern slavery is not present within our organisation or, so far as reasonably practicable, within our supply chains. 

  • Responding appropriately to any concerns raised regarding exploitation or human trafficking. 

We expect the same high standards from organisations that provide goods or services to us. 

4. Recruitment and Employment 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd is committed to fair recruitment practices. 

We will: 

  • Verify the identity and right to work of all workers. 

  • Ensure recruitment is undertaken fairly and transparently. 

  • Pay individuals in accordance with contractual agreements. 

  • Not tolerate forced, bonded or compulsory labour. 

  • Ensure all staff are free to leave their employment in accordance with their contractual terms. 

5. Supply Chains 

We aim to work with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical business practices. 

Where appropriate, we will: 

  • Use established and reputable suppliers. 

  • Raise concerns where unethical practices are suspected. 

  • Review supplier arrangements if concerns are identified. 

  • Terminate relationships where serious breaches are identified and remain unresolved. 

6. Reporting Concerns 

Any member of staff who suspects modern slavery, exploitation or human trafficking must report their concerns immediately to their supervisor, Director or CEO. 

Where concerns relate to a patient or vulnerable adult, staff must also follow the Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd Safeguarding Policy and local safeguarding procedures. 

All concerns will be treated seriously and investigated appropriately. 

Individuals raising concerns in good faith will not be subjected to detriment for doing so. 

7. Training and Awareness 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd will promote awareness of modern slavery through: 

  • Staff induction 

  • Mandatory safeguarding training 

  • Policies and governance updates 

  • Management support and supervision 

Staff should understand the signs of exploitation and know how to report concerns appropriately. 

8. Responsibilities 

Directors 

The Director & CEO are responsible for: 

  • Ensuring this policy is implemented. 

  • Promoting ethical business practices. 

  • Reviewing concerns relating to modern slavery. 

  • Monitoring compliance with this policy. 

Managers 

Managers are responsible for: 

  • Promoting awareness among staff. 

  • Escalating concerns promptly. 

  • Supporting investigations where required. 

All Staff and Associates 

All staff and associates are responsible for: 

  • Complying with this policy. 

  • Remaining vigilant for signs of exploitation. 

  • Reporting any concerns promptly. 

  • Completing mandatory safeguarding training. 

9. Monitoring and Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or national guidance changes. 

Compliance may be monitored through: 

  • Recruitment checks 

  • Supplier reviews 

  • Governance meetings 

  • Safeguarding reviews 

  • Incident reporting 

Equality Statement 

Bradford Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and will implement this policy fairly and consistently for all staff and service users.