Changeworks awarded Silver Investors in Diversity accreditation

Changeworks is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver Award by the National Centre for Diversity.

This award recognises our commitment to creating a culture based on Fairness, Respect, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement (FREDIE).

A brilliant outcome – and strong foundation for the future

We’re delighted with the feedback from the NCfD, which highlighted our dedication and commitment:

Vicky Walker, Chair of our EDI Steering Group, welcomed the good news:

About the award

The NCfD provides the UK’s longest-standing equality, diversity and inclusion accreditation. Its silver award is the second of three stages for organisations who want to play a leading role in EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion). This second stage involves embedding FREDIE values. It also includes feedback from colleagues across Changeworks, which has really helped us understand the current culture within our organisation – what we’re doing well, and where we can improve.

Our FREDIE journey

We began our journey with the NCfD in 2023. This was when we committed ourselves to achieving the Investors in Diversity Silver award.

Following an initial survey and audit, the NCfD supported us with a tailored action plan and their assessors helped guide implementation. This was followed by a follow-up assessment and ultimately the Silver award in recognition of the meaningful progress we’ve made.

Some of the practical work we’ve done to help us get the award includes:

Training with CEMVO (Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations)

This insightful training covered topics such as protected characteristics, conscious and unconscious bias, and recognising privilege. What we learned will help us continuously improve the equality and inclusivity of our engagement with minoritised communities in Scotland.

Interpretation and translation

To make our services more inclusive, we’ve focussed on translating our resources. We have a diverse volunteer group who attend community engagement events to help out with translation. Our Affordable Warmth Team use Language Line with clients who require an interpreter, and our energy advice resources are now available in 10 different languages.

Pronouns policy

We’ve developed a Pronouns policy which recognises that every colleague has a right to be identified by the name and pronouns they associate with. We acknowledge that gender and identity can evolve over time, and this policy reflects our commitment to being inclusive allies.

Staff Networks

We’ve launched Staff Networks to bring together people with shared characteristics or experiences. These networks create space for dialogue, peer support, and action to improve inclusivity. We currently have two active groups:

• Women’s Staff Network
• Pride Staff Network

We’re working to establish two further groups:

• Ethnic Minority Staff Network
• Disabled Staff Network

The journey continues

While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, we’re even more excited about what’s to come as we build on the recommendations from the NCfD report.

Our Chief Executive, Josiah Lockhart, outlined our commitment to improving our culture and services even further:

At a time when equality, diversity and inclusion are increasingly challenged, Changeworks remains committed to our goal of becoming a more equal, diverse, and inclusive organisation. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – and even more determined to keep building on this.