Diversity and Inclusion

Shaw Trust is committed to a fully diverse and representative workforce, where diversity and inclusion is embedded in everything we undertake. The Shaw Trust Strategic Directive 2030 sets out a commitment to achieve the following:

No artificial barriers or ceilings to advancement whatever the individual’s background.
Positive action where appropriate to shape our workforce.
Creating safe spaces for anyone in our workforce – especially those with Protected Characteristics.

Recognition and Impact

At Shaw Trust, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and progress.

This commitment has been recognised through our inclusion in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2026, reflecting the action we take to support colleagues, champion equality and create opportunities across our workforce.

We know there is always more to do, and we remain focused on listening to colleagues, removing barriers and embedding inclusion in everything we do.

To achieve our commitments, we have put the following measures in place:

Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which sets out our commitment to closing the gap in achievement and outcomes for staff and people that we support.
Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which sets out how we will achieve these ambitions and commitments.
An ambitious five year Diversity and Inclusion Plan, which sets out the activities we will undertake to remove barriers and meet the commitments and ambitions outlined in the Strategic Directive, with a particular focus on:
- Improving the impact of the advice, guidance and support we provide to help people enter good quality employment, apprenticeships, education and training.
- Learning and development.
- Inclusive recruitment and selection practices.
- Targeted talent development activities.
  Adding Social Value to the communities where we work.

Progress reports are regularly provided to the Shaw Trust Board.

Our networks

To help us achieve our goals we have a number of networks for our colleagues to get involved with:

Diversity and Inclusion Working Group – which works collaboratively to ensure we are embedding best practice throughout the group and are on track to achieve our ambitious targets.
Staff Network Groups – including the Disabled Employee network, Race Equality network, LGBTQ+ network, Women’s network, MANaging network, Young Professional network, Neurodiversity network and Menopause network and more. These groups provide safe spaces for staff to share ideas, make suggestions and provide feedback on how our plans are working and our impact.
Diversity Calendar to celebrate and raise awareness about the lived experience of staff and people that we support.

For further information, please contact Michelle Jackson, Head of Diversity and Inclusion michelle.jackson@shaw-trust.org.uk.