National Inclusion Week 2026 to champion inclusive workplaces across health and social care

Health and social care organisations across the UK will be encouraged to celebrate and strengthen inclusion in the workplace as National Inclusion Week takes place from 14 to 20 September 2026.

Created by Inclusive Employers, the annual campaign celebrates everyday inclusion in all its forms and encourages organisations to consider the practical steps they can take to create workplaces where people feel respected, valued and able to contribute.

For the health and social care sector, inclusion has particular significance. Services across the NHS, independent healthcare and social care are delivered by workforces made up of people from a huge range of cultures, nationalities, backgrounds and lived experiences.

Creating an inclusive environment is therefore not simply about policies and statements. It can influence how people experience work, whether they feel comfortable raising concerns, their relationships with colleagues and ultimately whether talented professionals choose to remain with an organisation.

The week also provides an opportunity for employers to consider inclusion across recruitment, career progression, leadership and everyday workplace culture.

For managers and senior leaders, this can mean looking at who has opportunities to progress, whether different voices are represented in decision-making and whether employees feel able to be themselves at work.

Inclusion is equally important when delivering care. Understanding and respecting differences in culture, communication, disability, religion, identity and individual circumstances can support more personalised services and help build stronger relationships between professionals and the people they care for.

Throughout National Inclusion Week, organisations are encouraged to involve their workforce in conversations and activities that celebrate inclusion while also identifying where further improvement may be needed.

For a sector built around caring for people, the week offers a timely reminder that the same principles of dignity, respect and individual understanding should extend to the people delivering that care.

National Inclusion Week takes place from 14 to 20 September 2026.

Find out more from Inclusive Employers

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