Board Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Bringing together diverse talents to achieve your aims
This award is for organisations that can demonstrate diversity within their board membership, and a commitment to being inclusive. We are looking for diversity in its broadest sense: diversity of approach, based on differing life experience, culture, ethnicity, disability, professional or sector background, age or other factors. We are looking for charities where this diversity complements the specific nature of the charity and its work –for example, the range of beneficiaries and the organisation’s scope, strategy and values.
Janet Thorne, CEO of Reach Volunteering, said, ‘The tumultuous events of 2020 (and since) have really raised awareness of the importance of equity, and we are expanding this category to reflect this. Shortlisted charities from previous years have been great examples of how boards can show leadership in tackling the roots of inequity, and we want to celebrate this more fully.’
What the judges are looking for
The judges will be looking for boards that can demonstrate that they have attracted a broad range of suitable trustees and supported them all to participate effectively. We will be looking for evidence of board culture which welcomes different opinions but is able to conclude discussions in a consensus for effective decision making and good governance. This award seeks to demonstrate how truly diverse and inclusive boards have a positive impact on the organisation and its performance.
The entry must focus on the work of the main board, but if any sub-committees or other governance groups outside the main board made a contribution, you are welcome to tell us about that in your response.
Tips from past judges
Do something new: The charity ActionAid showed that embracing diversity is about about changing board culture and existing structures and trying something new. Living your values (like ActionAid’s feminist principles) helps create sustainable change.
Highlight the impact: Remember that diversity isn’t just a vague ambition – it has tangible, transformative benefits. Boosting board diversity actively helped MindOut provide more accessible services, extend its work with migrants and refugees and develop a sustainable funding base.
Ensure everybody has a voice: Find practical ways to make sure all board members are included in decision-making. For example, Disability Direct provided diversity and inclusion training to all trustees and mentored younger trustees and those with learning difficulties to build their confidence.
Inspiration for your entry
Click here for advice from past judges.
Hear from past award winners: Disability Rights UK, Merton Centre for Independent Living, Women in Prison, PIRC, SignHealth, ActionAid and Voluntary Arts.
Hear from the other past winners and shortlisted charities talking about governance in their organisation and what it meant for them to win.
