Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at SIG
At Social Interest Group, we aim to develop a genuine and meaningful approach to equity, diversity and inclusion and to ensure SIG is an inclusive workplace. We aim to create opportunities and reduce barriers for everyone, especially under-represented groups, to provide equity of access to a good home, health care, social support, and employment. We are committed to providing non-discriminatory processes, whether at the recruitment level, performance review, or promotion and remuneration areas.
We foster a culture where every voice is welcomed, heard and respected. We aim to embed inclusivity throughout our programmes and day-to-day activities.
It is against the law to discriminate against someone that falls into one of the nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and beliefs, sex and sexual orientation.
We support all staff to:
- Challenge discrimination, harassment and institutional racism
- Promote inclusion
- Understand health inequalities
- Address barriers
- Support Residents, Participants and Colleagues to understand their rights and speak out
EDI Programme and Ambassadors
SIG appointed an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Programme Manager to promote equal opportunities and implement a group-wide Strategic Plan. The EDI Programme Manager feeds directly into Leadership Team meetings.
SIG’s EDI Steering Group launched in July 2020 as a direct response to staff feedback. The Steering Group consists of volunteer EDI Ambassadors from all areas of the SIG, acting as specialist leads representing each protected characteristic/emerging area. EDI Ambassadors work alongside the EDI Programme Manager and retain strong links to SIG’s Participant and Resident Involvement Group, who represent the voices of those who access our services.
Together, they gauge the opinions of colleagues, residents and participants via workshops, support groups, Community Forums and House Meetings. Their findings inform and enhance local service delivery and the work of our Participant and Resident Involvement Group.
The EDI Steering Group can be contacted by speaking with the Ambassador for your service or via the mailbox: edi@socialinterestgroup.org.uk
SIG works proactively to ensure the services we deliver are:
- Anti-discriminatory
- Enable equity of access and provision
- Meet legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010
Our policies and procedures include the following:
- Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Equity and Diversity Policy
- Disability Discrimination Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Equalities Action Plan (reviewed annually)
SIG’s strategy is further informed by the following:
- Participant and Resident Groups
- EDI Ambassadors
- Group-wide interactive EDI Webinars
Training
Part of our offer to EDI Ambassadors is the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. Training is a fundamental part of this professional journey. We equip EDI Ambassadors to shape and deliver niche training, for example, effective facilitation of participants, residents and staff-facing workshops and support group sessions. EDI Ambassadors undertake further training to support developing and delivering in-house workshops around EDI issues.
Additionally, we encourage learning through attendance and participation in subject-related webinars alongside “real-time” learning experiences, including supporting Local Authority Partners EDI Community Consultation Processes.
During induction, staff undertake mandatory EDI training and complete cultural competence and unconscious bias awareness training.
