Why diversity, equity and inclusion matters We exist to support people who face exclusion and adversity, and we know that inequality is often built into the systems around us.
To truly live our mission, we must challenge that. That means embedding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in everything we do: how we fund, how we work, and who we partner with.
We’re working to build a foundation that is more inclusive, equitable and transparent. This is an ongoing journey, and we’re committed to learning, listening and acting as we go.
Putting DEI into practice
Change starts from a shared understanding. In 2023, we set up a DEI working group to shape and guide our approach.
Together we developed a set of definitions and principles and a plan to embed these in everything we do.
Our DEI Action plan follows a framework from the Association of Charitable Foundations Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The Pillars of Stronger Foundation Practice. It sets out practical steps across eight core areas, from recruitment and communications to grant-making and governance.
We review our progress regularly and share what we’re learning as we go.
We also invite grant applicants to share data about who their work supports and who leads it. This helps us to better understand where our funding goes. We use the DEI Data Standard to guide this work.
Working Together for Greater Equity
Living our values is an ongoing, active process. Lasting progress takes collaboration.
That’s why we’re committed to working in partnership, sharing learning, challenging inequities, and improving funding practice across the sector.
We support projects that deepen our understanding, push for better systems, and help make the funding landscape more equitable for everyone.
Research: Equity in UK Funding Practices
In 2024, we partnered with City Bridge Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation to fund new research into how funders are using the DEI Data Standard.
Led by the National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory and The Social Investment Consultancy (TSIC), this work explores how equity shows up in UK funding and how it can be strengthened. The full report will be published soon and shared here.
Our commitments
We know meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, persistence and shared responsibility.
Over the next 12-24 months, we’re focused on turning our values into actions by:
- Embedding our DEI Action Plan across the Foundation, with clear roles for staff, trustees and volunteers.
- Strengthening inclusive recruitment, including outreach, mentoring and reviewing support for disabled candidates and people from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Launching new DEI learning opportunities, including inclusive inductions, refresher training, and workshops on language, intersectionality and power.
- Ensuring DEI is considered in funding programmes including using DEI impact assessments, allocating funds to advance equity and asking DEI-related questions in applications.
- Listening to people with lived experience, through participatory grant-making and ensuring community voices are heard in decision-making.
- Increasing transparency and accountability, by reviewing our data, publishing results, and reporting annually.
- Enhancing accessibility, through audits and improvements to our internal systems and processes.
- Partnering for change, including backing a leadership programme for people from racialised communities.
We will continue to share our progress on this page and through our blog.
