Reflections on our EDI journey: Progress, challenges and the road ahead

We launched our first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy in September 2022 setting us on an ambitious path to change ourselves, support those we work with, and improve access to and the experience of those we support.

Reaching the midway point of the strategy this year was a time to take stock of our progress, acknowledge our challenges and chart the course for the future. Our journey so far has been one of growth, learning and adaptation. And while we've made significant strides, we recognise that there's still much work to be done.

Read our EDI Strategy 2022-2024 Midway review

Celebrating our progress

This report reminds us of our priority areas and highlights several key achievements including:

1. Improved representation

We've seen an increase in ethnic diversity in our workforce, particularly in leadership roles. The proportion of Black colleagues in our leadership positions has seen a three-fold increase.

2. Enhanced learning opportunities

We've commissioned comprehensive EDI training and awareness sessions, including care experience awareness training and inclusive recruitment training for hiring managers.

3. Colleague diversity networks

We have established seven colleague diversity networks that encompass race, class, neurodiversity, disability, mental health, LGBTQIA+ and faith. These networks have become vital spaces for community-building, awareness-raising and providing safe spaces for underrepresented groups.

4. Data-driven insights

Our improved diversity monitoring systems are helping us better understand who we're serving and where gaps exist, enabling more targeted improvements going forward.

Facing challenges

As we move into the second half of our strategy, we also acknowledge where progress is slower. For example, we haven’t moved forward as quickly as we would have liked in terms of representation of disabled people (currently at 10%) and men (currently at 14%).

We are also aware that many actions over the last two years have been about laying the groundwork for us to reach our EDI ambitions. However, some changes are not necessarily obvious to colleagues, so sustaining engagement in the overall process can be difficult.

We aim to address these challenges head on. By setting new aspirational targets to address disparities in representation and by providing regular opportunities to involve, listen and discuss we can better implement our EDI actions swiftly and share all learning along the way.

Key learnings

1. The power of lived experience

Our EDI journey so far has taught us many valuable lessons. Programmes like our National Autism Trainer Programme have shown the immense value of co-design, co-production, and co-delivery with those who have lived experience.

2. The importance of data

Our improved data collection and monitoring systems are crucial in identifying gaps and for informing positive change decisions and positive actions for underrepresented groups.

3. Intersectionality matters

We need to increase organisational learning about how different aspects of identity intersect. This will ensure we're better equipped to support with more knowledge of context for our children, young people and their families.

4. Structural change takes time

While we've made progress, we've learned that truly embedding EDI into all aspects of our work is a long-term process requiring sustained effort and commitment.

Looking ahead

Our EDI journey is ongoing, and we remain committed to learning, adapting and striving for meaningful change.

We recognise that this work is crucial not just for our organisation, but for our ability to effectively serve and support all children, young people, and families. As we move forward, we invite continued feedback, challenges, and collaboration from all our stakeholders within and outside of our organisation. Together, we are creating a more equitable future for all.

Get in touch for your thoughts and feedback at edi@annafreud.org. We look forward to continuing to share our learning and our progress.