Two in five charity chairs and board members have reported facing barriers to implementing an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy at their organisations, a new survey has found.
The Association of Chairs (AoC) launched its new EDI guide at an event yesterday, with recommendations for charity chairs and boards to implement at their organisations.
The guide draws insights from AoC’s recent EDI survey, which found that while around half of over 300 respondents said they felt enthusiastic and motivated about EDI strategies, only 29% felt confident in implementing them.
The survey, which included chairs, trustees and senior leaders, shows that 15% of respondents felt unsure, 11% worried and 5% fearful.
Some 59% chose the statement “I know some things, but there are areas I would like to improve on and deepen my understanding” to reflect their takes on implementing an EDI strategy.
Meanwhile, 6% chose the statement “I don’t feel confident about EDI – I feel unsure about quite a lot of things and worried about offending people or saying the wrong thing”.
Recommendations to diversify boards
The guide recommends that charities review their expenses and remuneration policies to attract a more diverse pool of applicants, as financial barriers could prevent prospective chairs from joining.
It says charities should use social media channels to promote their vacancies and cultivate personal contacts, and potentially recruit service users and volunteers if they fit the description.
The guide also suggests that applications use inclusive language and include spaces where applicants can express how their lived experience might be relevant to the role.
Joe Saxton, AoC’s Chair, said: “It’s great to have this guide which shares the wisdom and insight of people with real understanding of EDI and its challenges, as well as the rigour that comes from our new survey on EDI.
“It’s good to see the progress in EDI on ethnicity and lived experience. It’s challenging to see the lack of progress on disability and class and other areas.
“There is much to do to get non-profit boards which better mirror our wider society. There is something for everyone to learn from this new piece of work, and the ongoing journey to improve the way that boards are inclusive, diverse and equitable.”
Further guidance for chairs and small charities
AoC has also updated its A Chair’s Compass guide, which seeks to help new and experienced chairs navigate different challenges and improve their board’s performance and effectiveness.
It has also published new advice on financial leadership in small charities.
Speaking at the event yesterday, AoC’s interim chief executive Liz Lowther said: “Charities and nonprofits are facing ever-increasing financial challenges, particularly smaller organisations who are walking the tightrope of funding constraints, high demand and increased staff costs.
“So, this is a very timely publication.”
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