DHCW: Champions in Equality and Diversity and Their Commitment to a People-centred Approach

Accreditation Journey 

In 2017, DHCW became the first UK organisation to achieve certification in BS 76000:2015 – Valuing People. This was followed by certification in BS 76005 Diversity and Inclusion in 2018. In 2023, DHCW successfully transitioned to the new ISO 30415:2021 standard, which replaced BS 76005. Our accreditation journey began with a comprehensive audit to assess our people practices against the standards and identify areas for improvement. Any minor non-conformances or opportunities for improvement are systematically addressed through our Continual Improvement Record (CIR), supported by management reviews and policy updates. DHCW has demonstrated progress every year, culminating in a successful surveillance audit in November 2024, affirming our commitment to people-centred and inclusive practices. 

Most Relevant Aspects of the Standards 

The emphasis of BS 76000 on leadership accountability and the integration of people-centred values into business systems strongly aligned with our strategic goals. The inclusive framework of ISO 30415 helped us embed diversity into our recruitment, training, and engagement processes, ensuring that our workforce mirrors and respects the communities we serve. 

Experience with Centre for Assessment 

The certification process with Centre for Assessment was both rigorous and supportive. Their team provided clear guidance, timely feedback, and a collaborative approach that made the journey not only achievable but enriching. Their professionalism and responsiveness helped us navigate the complexities of dual accreditation with confidence. 

Recommendation and Advice 

We recommend the BS 76000 and ISO 30415 standards to other organisation’s seeking to elevate their people and inclusion strategies. These standards offer a structured yet flexible framework that drives meaningful change. Our advice: treat the process as a strategic opportunity, not a compliance exercise. Engage your leadership early, embed the standards into your governance, and use the audit findings as a springboard for continuous improvement. 

Future Plans 

Our next steps include embedding the standards into our strategic planning cycle and expanding their reach across directorates. We aim to: 
- Strengthen supplier engagement by integrating ISO 30415 clauses into procurement processes. 
- Develop a dashboard to monitor progress on diversity and inclusion metrics. 
- Continue our partnership with Centre for Assessment through future audits and shared learning opportunities. 
 
We also plan to share our journey with other public sector organisations to encourage wider adoption of these standards and contribute to a more inclusive and people-centred health and care system. 

Reflecting on their certification journey, Sarah Brooks, Head of Culture and People Strategy at DHCW, said: 

“Achieving accreditation in BS 76000 and ISO 30415 has been transformative for DHCW. It’s more than a badge—it’s a commitment to valuing people and fostering inclusion in everything we do."

DHCW’s assessor, Janine Gregory, commented: 

“Since 2017, I’ve worked closely with Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), witnessing their deep-rooted commitment to valuing people and fostering inclusion. Their early adoption of the BS76000 Valuing People Standard and swift achievement of the BS76005 Diversity and Inclusion Standard within a year reflected a strong organisational ethos.  

“By 2023, they had seamlessly transitioned to ISO 30415, further embedding inclusive practices. Over eight years, I’ve visited every office, engaged with staff across all levels, and observed first-hand their dedication to continuous improvement through active listening and meaningful engagement with employees and stakeholders.” 

For more information 

To find out more about this rewarding and beneficial assurance report, visit our website: ISO 30415 Certification | Centre for Assessment