diversity, equity and inclusion policy statement 2024

At Ten Thousand Hours, we are committed to fostering a culture that values and celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and ensures inclusion for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic. We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our agency, enhances our creativity, and strengthens our ability to serve our clients and communities effectively.

1. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are dedicated to creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We recognise that diversity encompasses a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities, and we are committed to actively fostering an inclusive environment that embraces this diversity.

2. Recruitment and Hiring Practices

We are committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek out candidates from underrepresented groups and strive to eliminate biases from our hiring process. We also provide equal opportunities for career advancement and professional development for all employees.

3. Training and Education

We provide training and education opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues among our employees. This includes but is not limited to:

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• Implicit bias training

• Cultural competency training

• LGBTQ+ inclusion training

• Disability awareness training

• Anti-racism training

4. Supportive Work Environment

We create a supportive work environment where all employees feel safe and comfortable expressing their identities and sharing their experiences. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or any form of bias-based behaviour, and we will take appropriate action to address and prevent such behaviour.

5. Employee Resource Groups

We encourage the formation of employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide support, networking, and advocacy opportunities for employees from underrepresented groups. ERGs will have the full support of the agency and will play an active role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

6. Accountability and Measurement

We will regularly assess our progress towards achieving our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and hold ourselves accountable for creating a more inclusive workplace. We will collect and analyse data on workforce demographics, employee satisfaction, and other relevant metrics to track our performance and identify areas for improvement.

7. Community Engagement

We actively engage with and support the diverse communities we serve through partnerships, outreach efforts, and philanthropic initiatives. We will seek input from community stakeholders to ensure that our services are inclusive and responsive to their needs.

8. Continuous Improvement

We recognise that creating a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment. We will regularly review and update our DEI policies and practices to reflect evolving best practices and feedback from employees and stakeholders.

Conclusion

At Ten Thousand Hours, we are committed to building a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words, but fundamental principles that guide our actions and decisions every day. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, we will continue to strengthen our agency and better serve our clients and communities.