The theme for 2023 is #EmbraceEquity , accentuating how essential it is for everyone to understand the difference between equity and equality.

We asked some of our clients what embracing equity means to them:

Tracey Hunt – Membership Benefits and Services, Prospect

What does embracing equity mean to you?

Equity means treating everyone the same and with respect. It also means taking into account differences and needs of individuals so they are not discriminated against.

How does your association/company embrace equity?

As a trade union we constantly campaign for equity of treatment in the workplace by taking up issues for members. We also have a national equality committee. Equality of treatment is built into the objectives of the union.

Throughout your career, have you seen a change in how companies have embraced equity in the work place?

There are more women in positions of authority within our organisation and in companies we deal with. But on the whole we are still dealing with the same issues for members.

What more do you think society could do to embrace equity?

Change of government.

Is there a person or company who has inspired you with their approach towards embracing equity? Can you tell us about them?

I afraid I cannot think of anyone.

Pam Swain – Chief Executive, BADN

What does embracing equity mean to you?

I grew up in a small town during the 1960s. Back then, women had two choices. Either get married or get a job. Even if you found a job, there would still be a question around when you're getting married. In smaller towns, this expectation of women still exists. Equity, for me, means changing this expectation of women.

How does your association/company embrace equity?

Dental nursing is 99% female and dentistry overall is about 75% female, however there is still a hierarchy which is mostly male. Encouraging more dental nurses into senior roles in places like the General Dental Council.

Throughout your career, have you seen a change in how companies have embraced equity in the work place?

I recall a time I went into a board meeting filled with men, which was chaired by a senior academic, a Dean, in fact. I was the only woman present at this meeting and during the agenda, I found an opportunity to speak up and the whole board room was horrified. A woman expressing her opinion in the boardroom was unheard of. That was a long time ago and things have moved on since then, but I do think that more can be done to encourage women to have the confidence to speak up in meetings, particularly ones with senior male members. We shouldn't feel intimidated, we should feel emboldened.

What more do you think society could do to embrace equity?

I think being paid a reasonable wage is also important to show dental nurses that they are a valued member of the team. Most dental nurses are on minimum wage, which means that legally there isn't anything that they can do to increase their earning power. I think that the dental practices should honouring their dental nurses with a reasonable wage and they should rethink the way they treat them in the workplace. I've heard horror stories of dental nurses being referred to as 'my girl'. This behaviour has to stop.

Another thing that we need to do to support women in their careers is to help build their confidence. Sadly, women are judged on their appearance disproportionately then men. Providing training and coaching around resilience, would be a great step towards helping women go for more senior roles.

Finally, I think that it is important for women to feel supported in their careers. In my experience, going to Dental Nursing events, I see a lot of male colleagues being supported by their wives or secretaries. However, I rarely see that support for the dental nurses. The change of attitude isn't just within the profession, but it's at home too.

Is there a person or company who has inspired you with their approach towards embracing equity? Can you tell us about them?

Yes, Soroptimist International is an inspiring company for me. Their mission is to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls. I'm a member of the Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), who's projects range from supporting local charities (e.g. women's refuges) to providing young girls with sanitary products in countries where they aren't as easily accessible. They also have a seat on the UN's women's committee. I'm really proud to be a part of this incredible organisation that's making a positive change in so many women's lives.

Emma Smith – Senior Partnerships Manager, Boundless by CSMA

What does embracing equity mean to you?

It is about giving equal opportunities to all individuals, particularly if they may have been excluded or not considered for reasons such as gender, age, race, disability, pregnancy and religion. It's also about true inclusion, people deserve to be included and their needs and requirements considered fairly.

How does your association/company embrace equity?

Everyone has the opportunity to learn and upskill themselves in areas that are relevant for their own development and that benefit the business.

We offer equal opportunities when hiring for new people.

We have mental health training and mental health first aiders to ensure that we are prepared to look after and support those with mental health needs or disabilities such as ADHD.

Regular surveys and focus groups are run to capture ideas and offer check-ins for people to say if they're feeling mistreated.

We have a welcoming and approachable P&C department that always make time to help and support.

Throughout your career, have you seen a change in how companies have embraced equity in the work place?

Yes, primarily in educating staff in what they need to do to embrace equity. This is in the form of better intranet pages to get information, mental health training, changing policies, regular surveys to staff to see how they would like to improve things.

What more do you think society could do to embrace equity?

For me, it begins in schools – curriculums should be teaching the histories, opinions and experiences of different minority groups. Educating young people of different views and to debate healthily will help the population overall to understand each other better.

I also think serious action needs to be taken to reduce social depravity in the UK's poorest areas. People living in poor areas have limited access to good education, good healthcare, green spaces, healthy food, jobs and housing; they are more likely to turn to crime and drugs (happy to provide any references to support my claim here!). By improving the quality of living for people in poor areas, will give them better opportunities to succeed.

Is there a person or company who has inspired you with their approach towards embracing equity? Can you tell us about them?

For me, the person who has made the biggest impact on embracing equity is our head of P∧C, Andrea Lakos. She has consistently involved everyone, run surveys, focus groups and is always looking to improve; her latest project has been the employee value proposition improvement. However she has also helped to introduce additional staff benefits such as financial support, webinars on menopause and Vitality at Work to help improve staff fitness and wellbeing. There are many other things to mention, but it gives you a good idea of how she's driving improvement for everyone and embracing equity.