Launch of Cultural Competency Framework

7th February 2025

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt attended the launch of the Health and Social Care Trust’s ‘Cultural Competency Framework’. The framework, which is underpinned by staff training and resources, includes the ‘Little Book of Cultural Competence’, and is designed to promote equity and enhance patient care. Also pictured are (left to right) Maura Dargan (Executive Director of Social Work and Divisional Director CYP, NHSCT), Paul McAleer (CNO Learning Disability in Department of Health), Orla Barron (Interim Director of Planning, BHSCT), Health Minister, Seamus Ward (Head of Health Improvement, WHSCT) and Gerard Rocks (Assistant Director for Promoting Wellbeing, SHSCT).

Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland have collaborated to develop a Cultural Competency Framework to help reduce inequalities in health experienced by ethnic minority populations and patient groups across the region.

This new regional framework will help HSC staff to improve their confidence and competence in engaging with and providing services to people from a range of diverse cultural backgrounds. The framework, which is underpinned by staff training and resources, including the ‘Little Book of Cultural Competence’, is designed to promote equity and enhance patient care.

The framework was launched at an event on Wednesday 5^th February where Health Minister Mike Nesbitt joined members of the Trusts’ senior leadership teams and representation from PHA, TEO, EA and others to hear from the Trusts who presented on areas of best practice and to discuss the importance of this work with staff and service users.

Robbie McCague, Southern Trust’s Inequalities and Inclusion Co-ordinator said:

“Many people from minority communities face significant inequalities which negatively impact on their health and social wellbeing outcomes and can lead to marginalisation and exclusion.

“Cultural competence is more than awareness raising; it supports deeper reflection on the impact of intrinsic and external prejudices and stereotypes, leading to cultural humility and creating the space for our staff and service providers to become culturally competent.

“The development and roll out of the introductory training and interactive resources that we are launching will support staff, recognise, understand and promote diversity and equitable access to health and social care services across society generally.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:

“This regional framework is an important step as part of our broader efforts to create an environment of inclusivity and equality within healthcare. I am delighted to say that this initiative will provide our staff with the necessary tools to enhance patient care and help reduce health inequalities right across Northern Ireland.”