Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EEDI) is at the heart of the work that NAVCA and our members do in supporting and working with local communities.
As NAVCA, we have a unique voice and role within the sector, through our representation of NAVCA members and their role in the local voluntary sector.
We know that we have not been as active as we could and should have been in addressing systemic issues of inequality in our own structures and work. As part of the movement of local social action, we know we need to do more.
We are addressing EEDI issues within NAVCA, to be confident our own actions and operations demonstrably drive inclusion, and we work closely with our members to be proactive in addressing inequality. Read more about what we’re doing.
We want to create a culture where everyone feels they belong and can be their authentic self at work. We are reviewing our own policies and practices to make sure we are fair, open and inclusive in everything we do. This also includes reviewing our recruitment practices for both trustees and staff to bring in a range of perspectives.
We also want to make sure our staff feel confident in talking about EEDI in their different areas of work. We have hosted a series of training days on key areas of EEDI, run by external consultants to help increase our understanding and facilitate our conversations.
NAVCA member Harrogate and District Community Action
We are working with members to develop our approach to EEDI. We are increasingly looking at EEDI and intersectionality in areas of work such as our Barking Owl network, Health and Wellbeing network and Climate network.
Throughout 2024, we are developing our work with members with the support of the National Lottery Community Fund. Part of this project is a new Equity, Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Group, led by Maddy Desforges (CEO, NAVCA) and supported by a specialist consultant. The work will focus on enhancing our approach to EEDI, and improving engagement, activity, and outcomes across the network. We will develop our knowledge of how our members effectively promote diversity or support inclusion locally, develop tools or resources to accelerate change, and look at how we bring members together to share their work.
We have had a specific focus on anti-racism in recent years, reflecting the pressing need to drive change as Black, Asian and other ethnic communities are excluded, discriminated against, devalued and disrespected.
Our Anti-Racist Group brings members together to share ideas, learn from one another, and take action to tackle racism locally. Through member-led meetings, where members with expertise share their learning and inspire others, we explore different topics such as visible leadership, welcoming refugees locally, allyship and constructive challenge, and more.
NAVCA member CVS Tendring
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