We are delighted to announce that Outward has achieved the Inclusive Employers Foundation Accreditation, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
What is the Inclusive Employers Accreditation?
The Inclusive Employers Standard (IES) is a globally recognised framework that assesses and benchmarks workplace inclusion and diversity. It evaluates organisations across six key pillars: Engage, Equip, Empower, Embed, Evaluate, and Evolve, providing actionable insights to foster a culture of inclusion.
Why is this Accreditation Important?
- Commitment to Inclusion: This recognition showcases our proactive efforts to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
- Framework for Progress: The accreditation offers a structured approach to assessing our practices against industry standards, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Actionable Feedback: Tailored recommendations from this process guide us in embedding inclusivity throughout all levels of our organisation.
- Enhanced Workplace Culture: This achievement underlines our dedication to building a workplace where everyone, regardless of their background, feels supported and respected.
- Clear Direction: The structured framework helps us address diversity and inclusion with transparency and accountability.
Our Promise
We are committed to creating a workplace where staff, the people we support (PWS), and stakeholders can thrive. Respect, inclusivity, and empowerment are at the heart of our organisational mission, and this accreditation reflects our dedication to these principles.
Next Steps
- Sharing initiatives: We will continue to communicate our EDI initiatives and progress with staff and stakeholders.
- Continuous improvement: Every two years, we will reassess our practices, ensuring sustained progress in creating an inclusive workplace.
Involvement of Our Community
We will actively involve staff, the people we support, and stakeholders by:
- Conducting regular surveys and feedback sessions to understand and act on diverse perspectives.
- Establishing engagement committees and forums to ensure diverse voices shape our initiatives.
- Enhancing communication to keep everyone informed and involved in our EDI journey.
Together, we aim to make Outward a model of inclusivity—an organisation where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.