Organisational Commitment

At Iguality, our commitment to Equality and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is foundational to who we are. We are dedicated to creating an organisational culture where every individual is respected, valued, and given equal opportunities. This commitment is reflected in our zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, our proactive support for underrepresented groups, and our ongoing education initiatives on Equality and DEI.

• Zero-Tolerance Policy: We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against any form of discrimination, harassment, or bias within the organisation. This policy applies across all levels of our operations, including recruitment, promotion, service delivery, and everyday interactions. Any incidents of discrimination or harassment are taken seriously, with thorough investigations and decisive action to maintain a safe and inclusive environment.
• Proactive Support for Underrepresented Groups: We actively support underrepresented groups within our organisation and in the communities we serve. This includes implementing targeted initiatives to promote the inclusion and advancement of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of colour, refugees, migrants, and other people in vulnerable situations. Our approach is not just about increasing representation but about creating an environment where all individuals can succeed and feel empowered.
• Ongoing Education on Equality & DEI: Education is a cornerstone of our efforts to build an inclusive organisational culture. We require all staff and volunteers to participate in regular training sessions on Equality and DEI, covering essential topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, inclusive leadership, and allyship. These trainings are designed to equip our team with the knowledge and tools they need to foster an environment where equality and inclusion are lived values.
• Inclusive Policies and Practices: We ensure that our organisational policies, including those governing recruitment, retention, promotion, and professional development, are regularly reviewed and updated to promote equality and inclusivity. We are committed to removing barriers that disadvantage individuals based on gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics, ensuring that all our practices align with our values of Equality and DEI.
• External Partnerships and Advocacy for Equality & DEI: Iguality extends its commitment to Equality and DEI beyond its internal operations by actively seeking partnerships with organisations, networks, and advocacy groups that share our values. Through these collaborations, we work to amplify our impact, advocating for systemic changes that promote equality and social justice in the broader community.

Leadership and Accountability

Effective leadership is crucial for driving our commitment to Equality and DEI. At Iguality, our leadership structure is designed to reflect and promote these values throughout the organisation.

• Diverse and Equitable Leadership: Our Board of Directors is composed of 50% women, ensuring gender balance in our highest decision-making body. This balance reflects our commitment to gender equality and our belief that diverse leadership contributes to more innovative and effective governance.
• Equality & DEI Committee: The Board also functions as our Equality & DEI Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this plan. The committee regularly reviews progress, identifies challenges, and ensures that our goals for Equality and DEI are being met. This includes setting specific, measurable objectives to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organisation and holding leadership accountable for achieving these goals.
• Transparent Reporting and Accountability: Transparency is essential for maintaining accountability. We will provide regular reports on our Equality and DEI initiatives, including our progress toward set goals and areas for improvement. These reports will be shared with all stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, donors, and the communities we serve, ensuring that we remain accountable to our commitments and build trust within our organisation and beyond.

Staff and Volunteer Involvement

At Iguality, we believe that every member of our team plays a vital role in advancing our Equality and DEI efforts. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where all staff and volunteers are empowered to contribute to these initiatives.

• Understanding of our Target Groups: Having at least 50% women in our staff and volunteer base, as well as ensuring that these individuals come from a variety of backgrounds, strongly contributes to the quality of care we provide. A diverse team enables us to better understand and meet the needs of our beneficiaries, enhancing the effectiveness of our programmes.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: We actively involve staff and volunteers in decision-making processes related to Equality and DEI. This includes participating in policy development, action planning, and providing feedback on our initiatives. We believe that those who are most affected by our policies should have a say in shaping them, ensuring that our efforts are truly reflective of the needs and perspectives of our diverse team.
• Regular Feedback Mechanisms: To keep our Equality and DEI efforts responsive to the evolving needs of our team and the communities we serve, we regularly solicit feedback through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one meetings. This feedback is crucial for identifying successes and areas for improvement, enabling us to make informed adjustments to our strategies.
• Empowerment and Professional Development: We are committed to empowering our staff and volunteers by providing opportunities for professional growth and development. This includes mentorship programs, leadership training, and career development opportunities, especially for individuals from underrepresented groups. By investing in our team's development, we aim to build a more diverse and inclusive leadership pipeline that reflects our commitment to Equality and DEI.

Commitment to Social Impact and Community Engagement

Iguality’s commitment to Equality and DEI extends beyond our internal practices, encompassing the broader social impact we strive to achieve through our work.

• Equitable Service Delivery: We are dedicated to ensuring that our services are accessible and equitable, particularly for the most marginalised communities. This commitment involves tailoring our mental health care and psychosocial support programs to meet the specific needs of different populations, including refugees, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the homeless, ensuring that everyone receives the care and support they need.
• Advocacy for Systemic Change: In addition to providing direct services, Iguality is committed to advocating for systemic changes that promote Equality and DEI at local, national, and international levels. We engage in advocacy efforts that push for policies and practices that advance equality, social justice, and human rights, working closely with policymakers, participating in coalitions, and raising awareness on issues affecting marginalised communities.
• Community Partnerships: We actively collaborate with community organisations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to expand our reach and enhance our impact. These partnerships are crucial for amplifying our efforts and ensuring that we effectively address the needs of the communities we serve, promoting Equality and DEI in all our engagements.
• Measuring Social Impact: We are committed to measuring and evaluating the social impact of our work, particularly in terms of how our services and initiatives contribute to greater equality and inclusion. This includes collecting and analysing data on program outcomes and seeking feedback from beneficiaries to ensure that our efforts are meeting the needs of those we serve and driving meaningful change.