FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) practitioners and Investors in Diversity Assessors at the National Centre for Diversity play a critical role in fostering inclusive workplaces. They work directly with organisations to promote fairness and equality, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to thrive.
By providing guidance, training, and support, our FREDIE practitioners and Investors in Diversity Assessors help organisations embed inclusive practices, challenge discrimination, and create environments where diversity is valued and celebrated.
At the National Centre for Diversity, we are proud to highlight the work of our EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) practitioners and Investors in Diversity Assessors through this series of profiles. These features highlight how we can support organisations deliver positive change.
Having worked across the Post-16 sector in Sixth Forms, GFE Colleges and Training providers, Helen has a broad range of experience and skills gained from working with professionals and service users at all levels to ensure needs are met.
Helen has advocated for young people, parents and adults wishing to realise equity in education and the workplace. Helen has specific expertise with inclusive technology, disability and accessibility.
Can you share a bit about your journey with the National Centre for Diversity? What initially drew you to this organisation?
I came across the National Centre for Diversity when I worked for a training provider looking to start the accreditation. I recall Solat entering the room and immediately engaging with a colleague who, as a middle-aged white male, didn’t feel that he was included in the diversity agenda. The impact was immediate.
When I saw the advert for new assessors, I was ready to experience something outside of the education sector. Being an Assessor for the NCfD means that I have had some great new learning experiences, getting under the skin of public and private sectors as well as charity organisations, to make tangible change.
What have been some of the most rewarding experiences in your time working with the NCFD?
This year, I completed my first accreditation with a client. At the introduction meeting and following the surveys, it was clear that there was a lot of work to do. However, they took on board every piece of advice and went above and beyond, investing in new posts and redesigning whole areas of the organisation to ensure that the FREDIE destinations were met in a meaningful way.
It was such a positive experience for everyone involved, and I felt as though I had helped them to make a real difference to everyone who interacts with them. I am enjoying following their progress as they continue on their journey.
What motivates you to work in the field of EDI?
Having seen first hand the impact of inequity in education in terms of access to courses, qualifications, services and eventually housing and employment I relish the opportunity to work in a broad range of sectors to incite change. Encouraging leaders to think differently makes a huge impact, not only to colleagues, but also to customers, service users and hopefully on a personal level too.
What would you say is the most important thing an Education provider can do to ensure equity for colleagues and learners?
Be accessible by design: Do not assume but consult with the community you serve and ask them to sense-check before going ahead with changes. There is also some low/no cost and simple technology out there to enable equitable access to technology across the curriculum and business services.
Be comfortable with the uncomfortable: listen to people’s voices and seek to understand what they are telling you. It might not always be what you want to hear but be FREDIE about it.
What advice would you give to organisations as they embark on their FREDIE journeys?
If you’ve opted to be a FREDIE organisation, you’ve already taken the first step! Embrace the challenge ahead and take full advantage of the support from your Assessor and the training on offer from NCfD.
