Diversity, Inclusion And Belonging At Dementia Carers Count 

Last updated: November 2022

We are excited to tell you about our commitment to becoming an inclusive and diverse organisation, inside and out.  At Dementia Carers Count we work to empower and support family carers of people with dementia and ensure their voices are heard.  This means we need to work hard to connect with carers from different communities and in different circumstances. And by listening to what different carers tell us, we can make sure our services meet their needs.  We are committed to building an organisation where everyone feels they belong.  So when we say all carers count, we truly mean all.

Where did we start?

We began by taking a long hard look at ourselves in the mirror.  A review of our entire organisation was carried out by an external EDI specialist, which involved looking at our policies and procedures and talking to us.  This process helped us understand where and how we could do better to become a more inclusive, diverse and equitable organisation.

What have we done so far?

Since receiving the findings and recommendations in December 2021:

• All staff have attended Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) foundation training
• We are reviewing and updating our policies and practices, aiming for bronze accreditation on the inclusion standard Clear Assured by December 2022. 
• Working much harder to find and connect with different groups of carers.  And to work in partnership to meet their needs
• We have formed a cross-organisational EDI working group
• We are making sure our current recruitment of trustees is inclusive and attracts a wide range of applicants
• We want to better understand the needs of a wide range of family carers so we can tailor our services and to meet people ‘where they are’
• Reviewing carer data to help us identify our gaps
• We have encouraged the voluntary use of pronouns by the DCC team – for example in email signatures, biographies on the website and LinkedIn profiles

‘Disability Confident Committed’ employer

The ‘Disability Confident employer scheme’ is a government initiative that encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

As part of our commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion within our recruitment and employment practices, Dementia Carers Count has joined the scheme as a ‘Disability Confident Committed’ employer. 

We want to be a great place for disabled people to work and progress. We aim to offer an interview to any candidate that tells us they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role.

What happens next?

This is only the beginning.  There is much, much more to do, and we know we have a lot to learn.   During 2023 we will create a plan outlining what we want to achieve over the following 2-3 years. This will hold us to account and drive the organisational change we want and need.   We know we won’t get everything right, we know we may make mistakes.  But we will strive to be better.   Watch this space as we will update you about how we are getting on.  And if you want to get involved and be part of the conversation, please get in touch info@dementiacarers.org.uk