We are all different and only good things can happen if we share our experiences and perspectives and learn from one another. We need inclusion to ensure that diversity is embraced. Inclusion harnesses and celebrates our diversity to the benefit and greater good of our organisation, our customers, our colleagues and the wider industry. We want to bring diversity into action, allowing everyone to feel included and where people are proud to pull together to create environments of mutual respect. It is also important to recognise that equality is not about treating everyone the same, but about making sure that people are given equal access to opportunities.

 

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is a core part of Westward's values and is threaded through our strategic plan. We respect and value differences and recognise that diversity enriches our communities.

Meaningful action

Two men having a conversationWe know that being as diverse as possible, accessible, inclusive and relevant allows us to make a difference to our communities and thrive.

We will:

  • create an inclusive environment where people are treated with dignity, inequalities are challenged and we anticipate and respond positively to different needs and circumstances to enable individuals and communities to achieve their potential
  • foster good relations within the communities we serve
  • deliver fair, inclusive, and accessible services
  • communicate effectively, understanding and meeting the needs of all our customers
  • have our workforce reflect the communities we serve, wherever possible
  • develop and promote evidence of our EDI impact
We will:

You can read our full policy and annual statement below — both ensure that we are held accountable and are making progress towards elimination of discrimination, promotion of equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between different groups.

 

EDI policy

 

Annual EDI statement

Age-focused specialist agencies

  • Age UK is the charity formed from Age Concern and Help the Aged
  • Employers Forum on Age (EFA) challenges age discrimination and promotes age diversity in the workplace.
  •  Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) helpline advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales.
  • Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is Great Britain’s national equality body which has been awarded an ‘A’ status as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the United Nations. They use their unique powers to challenge discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect human rights.
  • Pensions and retirement planning – GOV.UK is a practical guide to advice, support and services available through government and voluntary organisations for people aged 50 and over.
  • UKYOUTH is a leading national charity committed to ensuring all young people are empowered to build bright futures, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Disability-focused specialist agencies

Support

Local

National

Financial

National

Rights

Gender reassignment-focused specialist agencies

Local

  • www.lgbtqyouthcornwall.co.uk - YAY! Young and Yourself! LGBTQ Youth Cornwall is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning young people who are aged up to 25 years living, working attending school or college or visiting Cornwall.
  • Gender identity | DPT  - support via Devon Partnership Trust.
  • www.intercomtrust.org.uk south west charity that provides local professional community support and advocacy for LGBT and non-binary people and their families, and training and consultancy on LGBT and NB issues.

National

  • www.schools-out.org.uk with the aim to make schools safe and inclusive for everyone, offering both a formal and informal support network for all people who want to raise the issue of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism in education.
  • www.genderedintelligence.co.uk  is a community interest company that delivers arts programmes, creative workshops, mentoring, training and youth group sessions to trans-youth (under the age of 25).
  •  www.gires.org.uk - Gender Identity Research and Education Society - a national body that examines the science around gender and transgender individuals and produces a wide range of resources for schools and other public bodies, including a toolkit on combating transphobic bullying and an e-learning package.
  •  www.mermaidsuk.org.uk is a national charity that connects and supports young trans-people and their families.
  •  www.tavistockandportman.nhs.uk search under: gender identity - The Tavistock and Portman Clinic - for children and young people (up to the age of 18) and their families experiencing difficulties in the development of their gender identity including children unhappy with their biological sex.
  • www.lgbtconsortium.org.uk a national membership organisation focusing on the development and support of LGBT groups, projects and organisations, so they can deliver direct services and campaign for individual rights. Provides a directory of agencies across the UK.
  •  The Beaumont Society | Help and support for the transgendered community supports mainly M2F trans people and their families and friends
  •  www.ilga.org - International Lesbian and Gay Association on LGB&TI issues.
  • www.lgbthatecrime.org.uk provides advice and support to increase the reporting of LGBT hate crime in the UK.
  • http://www.ftmlondon.org.uk/ Support to all female-to-males who may be early in considering gender identity, living long-term as a trans guy or simply exploring options.
  • http://gendertrust.org.uk/ a listening ear, caring support and an information centre for anyone with any question or problem concerning their gender identity, or whose loved one is struggling with gender identity issues.
  • http://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/ for children and teenagers who have gender identity problems, their families, friends and carers.

Pregnancy and maternity-focused agencies

Health

Local

Support

Local

National

Rights

National

Race-focused specialist agencies

Local

National

Sexual orientation-focused specialist agencies

Local

National

Useful links

  1. image-Hate crime unhappy woman.jpg Hate crime
  2. image-Safeguarding gran and girl web.jpg Safeguarding
  3. image-Website tablet.jpg Why your data matters
  4. image-Human barcode.jpg Slavery and human trafficking statement