Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the EBSERH Network: Analysis of People Management Policies and Practices

análise das políticas e práticas de gestão de pessoas

Abstract

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda has gained increasing prominence in Brazilian Public Administration, not only as a response to constitutional equality requirements but also as a strategy to strengthen state legitimacy and improve the quality of public services. In federal university hospitals, this debate becomes particularly relevant due to the integration of healthcare services within the Unified Health System (SUS), professional training, and research activities. In this context, the Brazilian Hospital Services Company (EBSERH) was created to modernize management and rebuild the workforce of these institutions.This article analyzes, through a qualitative documentary approach, how DEI policies have been shaped within EBSERH, with emphasis on people management, gender and racial representativeness, and the challenges related to hierarchical mobility. The findings indicate a high participation of women and Black and Brown individuals in the overall workforce, but a significant decrease in their representation at higher levels of decision-making. The analysis highlights advances in affirmative actions, such as quotas and inclusive institutional measures, while also revealing structural barriers that limit substantive inclusion. It concludes that, although there is a consistent formal framework, challenges remain in transforming diversity into equity in leadership positions.