Equality and Diversity: NHS Interview Questions
Acting in ways that support equality and value diversity for everyone — patients, carers, colleagues, partner organisations and the public — and recognising and challenging discrimination wherever it appears.
Bands 1–4 (Level 1)
- What do equality and diversity mean to you?
- Give an example of a time you supported someone's equality or diversity needs.
- Talk me through a time you saw poor behaviour around equality or diversity.
- What would you say your own responsibilities are when it comes to equality and diversity?
Band 5 (Level 2)
- Tell me about a time you drew on your knowledge of equality and diversity at work.
- Give an example of a time you had to follow a policy relating to equality and diversity.
- Talk me through a time you challenged something affecting patients, relatives or colleagues on equality or diversity grounds.
- How do you keep yourself up to date with changes in equality and diversity policy?
Bands 6–7 (Level 3)
- Tell me about a time you were pressured to act against your own values on equality and diversity.
- Give an example of a time you made sure equality and diversity policy worked for the benefit of patients and staff.
- Describe a time you reinforced the values of equality and diversity in others.
- How have you made sure your teams consistently meet equality and diversity requirements?
Bands 8–9 (Level 4)
- Which equality and diversity qualities do you most respect and value in others?
- Tell me about a complex equality and diversity issue you had to manage.
- Talk me through how you have influenced best practice on equality and diversity.
- How have you made sure your teams understand the policies and behaviours expected around equality and diversity?
What good answers contain
Listen for genuine warmth towards people from all walks of life, an appreciation of what diversity brings, the courage to hold to their values under pressure, and a willingness to keep learning and separate fact from prejudice.
Signs of a weak answer
Watch for difficulty separating personal opinions from policy, giving in to pressure rather than standing by their values, treating equality as someone else's job, or failing to link everyday behaviour to policy.
Answer a Equality and Diversity question and get instant feedback
Pick your UK nation and Agenda for Change band, answer in your own words, and the NHS Interview Coach scores it against your nation's values at the right level — and shows you a rewrite of your answer. First feedback free.
Practise Equality and Diversity free →More NHS competencies