Equity Diversity and Inclusivity

Find out how our people help shape our direction of travel.

In pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion

We welcome applications from everyone, celebrate our differences, and know it’s important that our teams represent the communities they serve. We are excited for our future and pleased at the steps we have taken so far, though recognise that we have a way to go.

We work hard at YHA to ensure that we have a diverse workforce in pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion. But having a diverse workforce is not enough. We want to create an inclusive environment, where everyone can give their best and develop to their full potential.

Diversifying our staff

Embedding the HEART values into everything we do including our recruitment processes
Investing in new recruitment approaches to attract a diverse range of candidates
Using internal diversity data to monitor outcomes

Focusing more resource

Finding ways to recruit through schemes such as Generation Green
Providing development opportunities through partnerships for those struggling to gain work, get back into work or find their first role.
Regularly reviewing remote/hybrid roles to create more opportunities – providing equipment, support and training to make this to happen
Working with industry organisations to improve the support we provide through memberships such as Inclusive Employers

Amplifying voices

Running bi-annual staff surveys that allow all employees to tell us how they feel we are progressing towards our EDI goals
Involving stakeholders from all departments in EDI working parties
Celebrating national diversity dates

Working together

Valuing lived experiences and always striving to learn more about how we can improve the inclusivity of our working environments
Running projects like Outdoor Citizens to support local communities
Securing funding to continue our EDI journey, to provide training and resources to inform and support our employees and volunteers
Continuously researching information and tools to improve the accessibility of our workplaces, training and development for all

Positive action statement

YHA believes that having a diverse workplace enables an inclusive environment that provides equal rights and opportunities to all. Actively encouraging a diverse workforce brings new perspectives, boosts productivity and innovation, widens our talent pool, and enables our employees to develop a broad range of skills and share ideas that supports our employee wellbeing and company HEART values. It is beneficial that our teams can relate to the communities we serve and the diverse supporter base who stay, are members, donate to our work, and volunteer for YHA.

Our positive action statement recognises some of the steps YHA takes to overcome or minimise disadvantages to employment and development opportunities, that people who share protected characteristics may experience, or to meet their needs. It enables under-represented groups to access support and training throughout the recruitment and employment journey, to ensure all candidates and employees experience equal terms and treatment, or adjustments are made to meet their differing needs to preserve equal treatment on merit.

It isn’t about compromise or positive discrimination, it’s about making the journey with YHA fair and accessible for all.

Examples of our ongoing positive actions

Targeted recruitment campaigns and positive recruitment practises

Actively promoting the requirement to diversify applications for the Board of Trustees.
Promoting the value of lived experience throughout all job adverts.
Tailoring our interview packs to align with our values.

Partnerships and memberships

Working with DWP to gain Disability Confident accreditation.
Being active members of Inclusive Employers.
Committing to improve diversity and inclusion by submitting data to The RACE Report.

Training, development, and employability

Delivering EDI training on various topics for all staff.
Continuing to raise awareness of various EDI topics through EDI celebration dates.
Providing our managers with Inclusive Leadership Training.
Delivering a range of employability and volunteering programmes
Various volunteering opportunities including hostel management placements, Duke of Edinburgh Gold, working parties, work experience.

We are committed to continuously monitoring the impact of our positive actions and reviewing progress towards our aims.