Reflections on Diversity and Inclusion in Nonprofits: Lessons from an ACO Webinar

Yesterday, I attended an ACO Webinar focused on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) when hiring Trustees to a board. I wanted to take this opportunity to share my thoughts and reflections on the event. The gathering of people from differing charities who are passionate about actioning an existing issue in our sector was rewarding to be a part of, as well as inspiring. There was a lot to take from the session, however, I wanted to focus on two key points.  

Diversity is a prevalent theme in our society, especially in recent years. People are bound to make mistakes, inadvertently forget to mention specific applicable communities, or unintentionally overlook certain aspects of diversity. However, it is imperative to engage in open dialogue about diversity and learn from these mistakes rather than avoiding the topic altogether. The conversation is a critical step towards fostering a more inclusive environment. 

During the webinar, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of detail presented by the speakers, who shared insights into the thought processes that shape recruitment practices, processes, and interview panels in the nonprofit sector. For example, Jonathan Howes, the CEO of Buttle UK , presented their recruitment pack as a case study. 

One notable development is the increasing transparency of charities like Buttle UK when it comes to their diversity statistics. They are now providing comprehensive data, including pie charts, percentages, and statistics covering various aspects of diversity. Most notably, I found it very powerful to hear how an organisation produces diversity figures of their board in advance, accepting and highlighting where they need representation. These metrics encompass: 

• Ethnicity 
• Sexual orientation 
• Gender identity 
• The presence of dependent children under the age of 18 
• Eligibility for free school meals 
• Types of schools attended 
• Disability (Physical and Hidden) 

This trend illustrates a clear move toward greater diversity within the non-profit sector. While the webinar primarily focused on the recruitment of trustees and board members, it signals a progressive approach that may eventually extend to all staff members. The focus is not merely on achieving immediate equality in these statistics, but on acknowledging the ongoing progress towards inclusivity. Achieving a more diverse workforce takes time and a deliberate approach. 

As someone working in recruitment within the nonprofit sector, the webinar prompted me to think about the broader dimensions of diversity. It was an eye-opener to consider factors such as eligibility for free school meals and the types of schools attended as important components of diversity. In the future, I aspire to implement a more ethical and comprehensive approach to diversity recruitment for both my candidates and clients, ensuring that we actively contribute to the broader diversity mission. 

To summarise, the ACO Webinar provided valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of diversity and inclusion within the nonprofit sector. It reminded us that embracing diversity is not merely a checkbox to be ticked off; it's a journey that requires continuous effort, transparency, and a commitment to progress. By openly discussing diversity and exploring various dimensions of inclusivity, we can collectively work towards creating more equitable and diverse environments for all in the nonprofit sector.