Springboard take great pride in sharing the strides we have made in our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy over the past year. Our dedicated EDI strategy group is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for our team and our beneficiaries. We recognise the importance of monitoring our progress, celebrating our successes and acknowledging areas where we can continue to grow.

Over the past two years, our team has been dedicated to advancing EDI initiatives within our charity and beyond. From implementing new policies and programmes to engaging in meaningful conversations and collaborations, we have worked to create positive change and promote a culture of belonging for all.

In this blog, we will take you on the journey through our achievements, sharing insights, and lessons learned along the way. From increasing representation in leadership positions to hosting impactful events and training sessions, each accomplishment represents a step forward in our collective efforts to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

Join us to reflect on the progress we have made:

Our initial focus was on establishing key objectives and priorities for the group to propel us forward and chart our organisational course.

They are:

Inclusive Culture: Cultivate and promote an inclusive culture that harnesses the talent, skills and diversity within our workforce.

Diverse Workforce: Identify, attract and retain a diverse pool of candidates boasting a rich array of experiences and talents.

Beneficiary Needs: Anticipate the needs of our beneficiaries, ensuring our services are accessible and meet their requirements.

In 2023, we introduced our EDI calendar, curated by our Springboard EDI group and refined based on feedback from our broader team. Below are some highlights of our activities:

• International Women’s Day: We honoured the occasion by celebrating our own inspirational female colleagues and trainees online and conducting a highly motivational session led by empowering female Ambassadors.

• Pride Month: This month served as a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, where we showcased the progress in gay rights and highlighted the ongoing efforts for global equality. We hosted a panel discussion featuring three LGBTQIA+ Hospitality Ambassadors, drawing exceptional feedback from our team and candidates.

• Pronouns Awareness Session: Delivered by our HR Manager, Kristina Dushkova, this session aimed to raise awareness about the importance of respecting individuals’ pronouns, validating their identities and creating a comfortable environment for discussions around this topic.

• National Inclusion Week: We celebrated unity and acknowledged inclusion in all its forms. Our EDI team underwent external training on various inclusion topics and welcomed specialists to share insights on inclusion and best practices.

• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Our Head of Employability conducted a training session on race awareness and being ‘anti-racist,’ alongside a guest session where IHG Hotels shared their global initiatives for fostering inclusivity at all levels of their organisation.

These activities represent just a snapshot of our ongoing commitment to EDI and our journey toward creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

We will provide more updates as we continue to drive positive change within our organisation and beyond.