Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the City & Guilds Foundation
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to grow, succeed and belong at work. A workforce that embraces different backgrounds, abilities and lived experiences is not only fairer, it drives innovation, strengthens communities and delivers organisational success.
Our
Approach
How we
Champion DEI
2021 event
Series
Our approach
At the City & Guilds Foundation we know that creating inclusive, safe and equitable workplaces requires continuous learning. We listen to and learn from the diversity of experience across our communities, and we work with partners who are pushing boundaries in creating opportunities for all. Through our programmes, grants and awards, we champion practical solutions that empower underrepresented talent and help organisations embed lasting change.
How we champion diversity & inclusion
Recognising inclusive excellence through the Princess Royal Training Awards
The Foundation actively celebrates employers who develop truly inclusive learning and development practices. As part of the Princess Royal Training Awards, we recognise organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Each year, organisations receiving a Princess Royal Training Award may also be considered for a special commendation for DEI. This commendation highlights employers who:
- Ensure their training is accessible to all
- Create environments where people feel valued and included
- Back up their commitment with clear evidence and impact.
The commendation is assessed through the organisation’s award submission and supporting materials and is announced at the annual award ceremony. Through this recognition, we spotlight organisations that are leading the way and provide inspiration for others striving to build more inclusive workplaces.
Supporting black and ethnically diverse makers through targeted bursaries
We are proud to fund a training bursary for black and ethnically diverse makers, delivered in partnership with Heritage Crafts. These communities remain significantly under-represented in the UK craft sector, and this bursary is one way we are helping address that imbalance.
Eligible makers can apply for funding of up to £4,000 and Heritage Crafts supports successful applicants to build an action plan, identify training opportunities and receive guidance throughout their development.
We believe that the richness of the UK’s craft heritage lies in the diversity of skills, traditions and cultural influences that shape it. Everyone, regardless of background should feel represented and included in this sector.
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Our commitment
Across all our work, the City & Guilds Foundation aims to:
- Break down barriers to meaningful work
- Support fair access to skills and training
- Champion inclusive employer practices
- Amplify voices and talent from underrepresented groups.
We remain committed to continuously learning, collaborating and taking action so that opportunity is something everyone can access, not just a fortunate few.
2021 Event Series
In June 2021, we hosted a series of webinars with City & Guilds exploring different lived experiences. We asked attendees to make pledges after the events and to fill in a questionnaire to let us know how they felt their attitudes towards inclusion and diversity had changed afterwards. We’re incredibly happy to see the impact these events have had so far, and are looking forward to continuing to advocate for the right of everyone to live and work in an inclusive, diverse world.
We had 165 responses to our follow up survey, where people told us the following:
%
My pledges resulted in positive change.
%
I have better knowledge of I&D challenges in the workplace.
%
I am more open to differences in others and willing to learn more.
%
I take more ownership in building equity, diversity and inclusion.
Everyone should be able to realise and fulfil their potential. As employers, it’s our responsibility to learn about the diversity of thought and experiences that exist in our communities and societies. It is also our job to create inclusive, safe, fair workplaces and to empower diverse talent to build with us the successful organisations we strive for.
As we finally wake up to the moral case for creating a fairer and more equitable society there is also and always has been, a very strong business case attached to supporting more diverse and inclusive workplaces and communities.
McKinsey presents compelling statistics that show financial gains for companies with greater gender and ethnic diversity in their executive teams and clearly more diverse organisations will be able to understand and respond to a broader range of customers and communities.
The education and skills sector has a huge role to play in supporting people of all backgrounds to progress and this is our moment to look forwards and play our part in creating a world in which everyone is given the opportunities they need to succeed.
Find out more about each event below:
Event 1: Race inclusion – supporting black talent
Explore the importance of role models and allies in breaking down barriers at work for all ethnic groups.
When: Wednesday 02 June at 1pm
Speakers:
- Frank Douglas, CEO of Caerus Executive, City & Guilds Trustee, People Management D&I Power List 2020
- Sophie Williams, anti-racism advocate and author of Anti-Racist Ally and Millennial Black
Event 2: Marginalised groups – prison leavers
What can employers do to give people with criminal convictions fair chances to gain employment.
When: Tuesday 08 June at 11am
Speakers:
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Surini Ranawake, Head of Employment Outcomes, New Futures Network
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James Timpson OBE DL, Chief Executive of Timpson Group, Fellow of the City and Guilds of London Institute
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Claire Wood, Chief of Staff and Marketing Services Director, Central Business Services at Deloitte LLP
Event 3: Developing neuro-inclusive workplaces
Learn how to attract, hire, adapt and develop neurodiverse talent in your organisation.
When: Wednesday 16 June at 1pm
Speakers:
- Professor Amanda Kirby, CEO of Do-IT Solutions
- Helen Needham, Founder of Me.Decoded
Event 4: Empowering LGBTQ+ people to succeed
What type of training do organisations need to ensure the retention and advancement of LGBTQ+ employees.
When: Tuesday 22 June at 11am
Speakers:
- Tanya Compas, Founder and CEO of Exist Loudly
- Dr Ann Limb CBE DL FRSA, Chair of City & Guilds, Number 1 Public Sector Executive OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model List 2019
- Jason Sloan, Organisational Development Lead, GSK, INvolve Top 50 OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Model
Event 5: Gender Diversity – a women’s panel
Exploring how training is driving women inclusion in male-dominated industries.
When: Wednesday 30 June at 1pm
Speakers:
- Sonya Byers, Chief Executive of Women in Transport
- Alexandra Evreinoff, Managing Director of INvolve
- Charly Young, CEO of The Girls’ Network
- Carmen Watson, Chair at Pertemps Recruitment Partnership