Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace

Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace

We understand that a diverse and reflective workforce generates better ideas, and is integral to delivering inclusive services. Therefore, we want our workforce to be as representative of the communities we serve as possible. We’re committed to providing our employees and customers with a grounded understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through training and promoting awareness around relevant issues.

Diversity, equity and inclusion definitions

Diversity	Diversity is about celebrating and valuing our differences as well as our similarities. Diversity should be part of everything we do.
Equity	Equity means ensuring that everybody has an equal chance to achieve the same outcome.
Inclusion	Inclusion means that all people, regardless of their abilities or additional needs, have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

We welcome and celebrate the diverse contribution of our employees. We believe every voice is unique and that every employee should be given the chance to thrive. We want to promote inclusion and belonging and to build a culture where all employees feel valued and are trusted to deliver their role.

Removing barriers

We strive for a workplace that’s free from discrimination. We’re committed to making sure there are no barriers to recruitment or professional development, and to listening to ways in which we can improve our employee experience.

The Equality Act 2010 protects people with protected characteristics from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation. It also protects any person who is perceived as having any of these characteristics or is associated with any person who does. There are nine protected characteristics:

• age;
• pregnancy and maternity;
• disability;
• marriage and civil partnership;
• religion/belief;
• race;
• sex;
• sexual orientation;
• gender reassignment.

We’re committed to tackling inequality in its widest sense and challenging discrimination based on extended social and cultural characteristics including:

• domestic circumstances or carer responsibilities;
• appearance;
• language or accent;
• learning styles;
• neurodiversity, i.e. diversity of brains, minds, thinking styles;
• socio-economic background, including employment status, class, education and income;
• political belief or trade union activity;
• spent convictions;
• any other matter that causes a person to be treated with injustice.

Fostering change

We have a Diversity and Inclusion Working Group that represents all areas of the organisation and all employees. It’s made up of employee volunteers with specific experience, expertise or passion for DEI. The Group aims to raise awareness and knowledge of DEI issues and best practice in service delivery, challenging the organisation when necessary and implementing changes.

Recent changes include pronouns and phonetic spelling in email signatures and promoting events such as Black History Month. The Group has also been building partnerships with organisations such as HouseProud, Dementia Alliance and the Sunflower Scheme, to increase inclusiveness for employees and customers.