FREDIE Spotlight: Helen & Douglas House
Helen & Douglas House, the world’s first children’s hospice founded in 1982, provides vital end-of-life and respite care for terminally ill children and their families. Recognising the need for an inclusive culture, they adopted the FREDIE framework to enhance their diversity efforts. Through the Investors in Diversity process, Helen & Douglas House have built a solid foundation for inclusivity, leading to staff feeling more valued and respected, more open conversations and a collaborative culture that challenges barriers and celebrates difference.
Celebrating Diversity: The History and Importance of Pride in the UK
June bursts with color and celebration as people globally observe Pride Month, commemorating the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality. At the National Centre for Diversity, we honor this period by reflecting on the rich history of Pride in the UK, from its roots in the 1969 Stonewall Riots to the first UK Gay Pride Rally in 1972. Pride events serve as powerful reminders of past struggles, platforms for visibility and representation, and catalysts for fostering an inclusive society. Happy Pride from all of us at the National Centre for Diversity!
How Diversity Saved a Police Officer’s Eyesight
Former PC Solat Chaudhry recounts a harrowing night on duty when an officer in distress called for help, but the location was unclear among three possible Queen Streets. Chaudhry’s ability to communicate in Punjabi with a local resident provided crucial directions, leading to the rescue of his colleague from a life-threatening situation. This incident highlights how diversity within the police force enabled effective communication and rapid response, ultimately saving his colleague’s eyesight and potentially his life. Diversity’s value in emergency situations exemplifies its broader benefits across various fields.
LGBTQ+ History in Britain
As February ends and LGBTQ+ History Month concludes, we reflect on the rich tapestry of British queer experiences and milestones. This month highlights the remarkable individuals and pivotal moments that have shaped the nation’s journey towards equality and inclusion
A Vision of Hope for 2024
As we welcome 2024, the National Centre for Diversity (NCFD) sends a heartfelt Happy New Year to everyone, reaffirming its commitment to fostering inclusivity and fairness in workplaces across the UK.
Solat Chaudhry, the dynamic and passionate Chief Executive of NCFD, shared his optimistic vision for the year ahead in an interview with Andrew Palmer of the Yorkshire Times. Chaudhry, who has a rich background as a former police officer and grew up amidst the challenges of 1970s Burnley, leads NCFD with a steadfast commitment to changing attitudes and promoting diversity.
🎉 Wishing You Joyful Holidays from the National Centre for Diversity! 🎄
As the festive season approaches, we at the National Centre for Diversity want to take a moment to express our gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve shared with you this year.
It has been a year filled with growth, development, and positive change, and we are thrilled to have been a part of your journey.
Connection matters – supporting someone who feels lonely.
Loneliness, a common experience affecting around 3 million people in England over the past two years, isn’t merely about being alone; one can feel lonely even in a crowd. It stems from a lack of connection and understanding from others, impacting mental health and being exacerbated by life changes like job transitions or bereavement. To support someone feeling lonely, it’s crucial to approach them without judgment, be patient, and listen actively.
How to balance well-being at work
Promoting well-being requires a holistic approach to building an inclusive culture: flexible working arrangements, mental health training, regular data collection and clear policies. Long-term investment in employee well-being is crucial for organisational sustainability and growth. For support in building such a culture, the National Centre for Diversity offers relevant training options.
A Journey to Inclusion: Kier Highways
Committed to inclusion, Kier Highways upholds the FREDIE values—Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement. Achieving continuous accreditation as Leaders in Diversity, Kier undertook the Masters in Diversity (MiD) program with 16 leaders attending masterclasses to embed these values further. This program demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity, leading to significant positive impacts and the launch of further personal development initiatives. Kier’s ongoing partnership with the National Centre for Diversity continues to drive positive change within the organisation.