At Projects Abroad, we are deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We believe that fostering an inclusive environment enriches the experiences of all participants, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and contributes to a more just and equitable world.
This policy outlines our dedication to creating a welcoming and equitable space for everyone involved in our programmes, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, physical and mental abilities, nationality, or cultural background.
Our Commitment
We recognise that individuals hold multiple identities, and these identities can intersect to create unique experiences and considerations.
We are committed to:
- Diversity: Actively promoting diversity in all our programmes and ensuring representation of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Equity: Providing equitable access and opportunities for all participants by addressing systemic barriers and providing necessary support.
- Inclusion: Creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Objectives and Goals
Our DEI policy aims to:
- Foster a culture of inclusion and respect where all participants feel a sense of belonging.
- Provide equal opportunities for participation and leadership, regardless of background.
- Promote awareness and understanding of diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
- Ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the design, implementation, and evaluation of our programmes.
- Recruit and retain a diverse staff and leadership team that reflects the communities we serve.
Actionable Steps
To achieve these objectives, we will:
- Increase access for participants from underrepresented backgrounds by actively identifying and promoting financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Offer suitable accommodations for participants with disabilities.
- Address potential biases in our recruitment and selection processes for both participants and staff.
- Create opportunities for social connection and community building among participants.
- Establish support systems and mentorship programs to foster personal and professional growth.
- Encourage open communication and feedback to continuously improve our DEI efforts.
- Celebrate diverse perspectives and contributions through storytelling and knowledge sharing.
Ethical Engagement and Neo-colonialism
Projects Abroad is committed to ethical engagement and actively works to avoid any form of neo-colonialism or exploitation.
We recognise the potential for power imbalances in international volunteer programmes and strive to:
- Work in genuine partnership with local communities, respecting their self-determination, and prioritising their needs.
- Ensure that projects are driven by the needs and priorities of the host communities, with their full participation in planning and implementation.
- Continuously evaluate our programmes to ensure they are mutually beneficial and contribute to sustainable development.
Hiring and Staffing
Projects Abroad is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that a diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and skills, leading to enhanced innovation, creativity, and decision-making.
We are committed to:
- Equal Opportunity: We provide equal opportunities for all job applicants and employees, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or political affiliation.
- Unbiased Recruitment: Our recruitment processes are designed to eliminate bias and ensure fair evaluation of all candidates. We use structured interviews, standardised criteria, and diverse interview panels to ensure objectivity.
- Inclusive Workplace: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities for growth and development. We offer diversity training and unconscious bias training to promote understanding and awareness.
- Representation: We aim to achieve a diverse workforce that reflects the demographics of the communities we serve. We actively recruit from underrepresented groups and track our progress towards diversity goals.
Accountability
The Projects Abroad DEI Committee is responsible for implementing and upholding this policy.
We will measure progress through regular data collection and analysis, participant feedback, and staff evaluations. We have established clear procedures for reporting and addressing any DEI-related concerns or violations.
Ongoing Commitment
We recognise that DEI is an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning and improvement. We regularly review our practices to ensure they abide by our policies and remain effective in promoting a truly inclusive and equitable environment for all our employees, partners, and participants.
Our accreditations
