Diversity strategy
The Children's Society's definition of Diversity
The Children's Society's Christian, social justice, child centred mission requires us to be an inclusive organisation. Our commitment to inclusion means that we positively embrace the diverse identities, histories, spiritual beliefs, abilities and lifestyles of the children and young people with whom we work, of our employees and volunteers, supporters, and the audiences to whom we speak. It means that we value the richness that each unique person brings to our work. Our success in being inclusive will result in The Children's Society being an organisation characterised by the diversity, and the sense of belonging, of the people who contribute to our mission.
Aims of the Diversity strategy
- To ensure that Diversity is encompassed in all areas of our work.
- To ensure that Diversity is reflected at all levels of our work, from Trustees to volunteers and supporters.
- To raise the profile of The Children's Society as a champion of Diversity.
- To create a leadership in The Children's Society that reflects and manages Diversity.
- To compliment both Church Partnership and Participation strategies.
- To ensure that all Children's Society staff, volunteers, supporters, children and young people understand and value.
- Diversity and responsibly put it into practice.
- To reinforce the business case and other practical benefits of Diversity within The Children's Society and to thoseoutside.
Participation
This is key to the identity of The Children's Society, is itself an expression of diversity in terms of age. The children and young people with whom we work derive from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnicity and cultural and religious heritage. In order to enable the participation strategy to be effective the organisation needs to reflect and to be able to embrace the diverse identities, histories, spiritual beliefs, abilities and lifestyles of the children and young people with whom we work and to provide forums, procedures and processes that are accessible to them.
Managing diversity
The Children's Society believes that valuing diversity is not just about raising awareness but also about Managing Diversity in a strategic approach:
- Valuing and accepting the contribution of each individual
- Increasing productivity and efficiency by creating a harassment free environment
- Tapping the potential of a diverse group of people
- Exercising fair and flexible management practices
Managing Diversity: a corporate priority
Through recognition of the business advantages and ethical imperatives, the profile of the organisation will reflect the diverse communities in which we serve in order to achieve our Goals, Targets and Destination
The inclusion of diversity management in the Corporate Balanced Scorecard means:
- Diversity becomes a core activity for all divisions and departments.
- Activity to manage diversity becomes part of every business plan.
- Diversity management is measured monitored and evaluated as standard business performance.
