What we're doing to advance equity, diversity and inclusion
At NCT, we believe every parent should feel welcomed, respected and represented. We are committed to social justice and equity, and to being an anti-racist charity. We know that being there for every parent requires us to challenge inequalities, listen to diverse experiences and create inclusive information, spaces, services and workplaces built on collaboration and trust.
Inclusion is everyone's responsibility. That's why we are embedding equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our charity. From leadership and governance to learning, services, content, partnerships and the support we provide to women, parents, families and communities.
Building inclusive leadership and governance
We are committed to ensuring that diverse perspectives inform our decision making and governance.
- We are committed to maintaining a balanced and diverse Board of Trustees that brings together a range of skills, professional expertise, lived experience and perspectives. We annually identify diversity and skills gaps to help inform our recruitment priorities. We want a governance and leadership at NCT that reflects the diversity of today’s birthing communities in the UK.
- We continually review our policies, governance arrangements and organisational practices through an equity, diversity and inclusion lens - using feedback, participation data, lived experience and trusted partnerships to inform improvements.
Creating spaces for connection, learning and influence
We provide opportunities for our staff, practitioners, volunteers, peers and trainees to share experiences, contribute ideas, develop innovative products and services, build new partnerships and support organisational change.
- Our Diversity Network brings together colleagues and community members from across NCT to discuss inclusion, share experiences and provide feedback on organisational priorities and initiatives.
- We continue to support the development of affinity and peer-support networks within our NCT community, including spaces for Black and Brown and neurodivergent colleagues.
- We are reviewing how these networks can continue to strengthen belonging, representation and lived experience input across the charity.
Supporting allyship and inclusive practice
We believe inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
- We extensively offer flexible working arrangements for our staff team to accommodate parenting and caring responsibilities and support those where reasonable adjustments are needed to ensure they are included and supported at work
- Our Allyship Awareness Programme supports staff, practitioners, peers, volunteers and trainees to build confidence, develop understanding and take meaningful action, helping to create a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, respected and able to contribute.
- Through learning resources, facilitated discussions and themed events, the programme encourages reflection, dialogue and practical allyship.
- We will continue to review and develop the programme in response to feedback and emerging priorities for the women, families and communities we serve.
Developing anti-discriminatory practice
As part of our commitment to being an anti-racist charity, we are embedding anti-discriminatory practice across our learning, professional development and service delivery.
- Anti-Discriminatory Practice (ADP) training forms part of our perinatal practitioner training and continuing professional development.
- We have dedicated ADP learning resources for our perinatal practitioners and staff to support a shared understanding of equitable and inclusive practice.
- Building awareness of bias, discrimination and structural inequalities and systemic racism helps to create more inclusive experiences for women, parents and families and supports more equitable information, support and services.
- We continue to explore how this learning can be expanded and embedded across more areas of the charity
Improving the inclusivity of our content and communications
We want all women, new parents and families to see themselves reflected in our information, services and communications.
- We are an independently approved ‘Trusted Information Creator’. Our information and content for parents are reviewed through an equity, diversity and inclusion lens as part of our PIF (patient information forum) accredited content development process.
- We continue to improve the accessibility, relevance and representation across our resources and information.
- We maintain and regularly review our NCT Inclusive Language Guide to support respectful, inclusive and legal communication.
Using insight and data to drive improvement
Understanding who we reach and who we do not reach is critical to improving equity and inclusion.
- We regularly gather feedback from women and parents, our community of practice, our people, partners and local communities to help shape and improve what we do.
- As we evolve our services and operations, we aim to strengthen our approach to diversity data collection and reporting across our services, so that we can demonstrate impact and reach, and identify areas for improvement.
Working with partners to tackle inequalities
As a charity with a proud history of campaigning for improvements in maternity and postnatal care, we recognise that achieving equity requires action beyond our own organisation.
- We work alongside trusted partners across the maternity, health and voluntary sectors to help tackle inequalities and improve experiences and outcomes for women, parents and families.
- We are committed to amplifying the voices and experiences of communities that have historically been under-represented or underserved.
- We have an extensive network of volunteers where everyone is welcome to contribute
- This includes collaborating with a broad and diverse set of partner organisations such as FiveXMore, Make Birth Better, Black Mothers Matter, Birthrights and The Motherhood Group, helping ensure that our services, content and influencing work reflect the needs of a diverse range of women, parents and families.
Continuing our journey
We know there is more to do.
We are committed to listening, actively, to women, parents, partners, advocates, and families, as well as our staff, practitioners and volunteers, learning from their experiences and using that insight to shape our future. Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to who we are, how we work and the change we want to see across maternity, early parenthood and family life.
By continuing to challenge inequalities, improve representation, create inclusive information, support and services and improve access to support, we aim to ensure that every parent feels safe, welcomed, valued and able to thrive with NCT.