Charity leaders’ network Acevo has partnered with Voice4Change England, a national advocate for the BAME voluntary and community sector, to run a new programme to improve diversity in the sector.
The programme, Making diversity count in the charitable sector, will focus on amplifying voices and sharing experiences and will encourage charities to take a more proactive approach.
It has been awarded £67,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund and has been split into three parts.
Firstly there will be a review of existing research, followed by an online survey and in-depth interviews, and finally an exploration of what changes should be made.
Kunle Olulode, chief executive of Voice4Change England, said: “If the charity sector is to fulfil its promise as an agent of progress, it needs to build diversity, equality and inclusion into its DNA.
“Change means that we listen to the voices, experiences and ideas of BAME employees in charities. Leadership in charities is also essential, which is why we are excited to be working with Acevo to develop practical solutions to make the charity sector a place where everyone is the ‘right fit’.”
Vicky Browning, chief executive of Acevo, added: “Charity leaders are not representative of the communities they serve. Alongside the moral and legal case for improving diversity, research has shown that diverse organisations are more effective and more financially successful.
“Despite widespread awareness in the sector of these facts, progress towards greater diversity has been slow and, too often, not inclusive of BAME voices. We are looking forward to working with Voice4Change England to help find solutions to these barriers.”
More information about the project can be found on Acevo’s website.
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