As we reflect on 2024, we can take a moment to celebrate the successes of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Team, and look at how we have fostered an environment where Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) is inclusive and welcoming. While we recognise there’s always room to learn and grow as a community, we’re proud of our progress. We celebrate these wins as steps towards bigger goals.
Living Libraries
One of the most impactful initiatives of 2024 has been launching our Living Libraries, held internally within KWT each month. The Living Library Series allows members of the KWT Team or external guests to speak about their experiences. This has included a range of topics, from accessibility and neurodiversity to allyship, different beliefs and lived experiences. By amplifying diverse voices, we have taken important steps toward fostering a more inclusive culture within our organisation.
EDIB Driving Team
Within our EDIB community, we have established a dedicated EDIB Driving Team to streamline our efforts in planning, setting meeting agendas, and gathering ideas and actions. During the summer months, we proudly took part in Kent Pride events, joining carnival parades to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights. Working closely with HR, we have implemented meaningful changes within the organisation, such as enhanced parental leave policies, disability passports, gender-neutral clothing in our online shop, strengthened recruitment processes, gender-neutral toilets, and ensuring that new staff members are welcomed with inclusive resources that reflect our values. Staff also received EDIB training through our training platform. We have also welcomed a variety of external experts, including Dementia Adventure, who provided training for staff supporting loved ones or volunteers affected by dementia.
Blogs
Our blogs have served as a powerful platform for sharing stories and reflections, from Disability Pride to the impact of neurodiversity in conservation. These narratives have not only connected with our internal teams but have also reached wider audiences, helping to foster greater understanding and engagement beyond our organisation.
Reflections on Disability Pride 2024
Reflecting on FND Awareness Month
Neurodiversity at Kent Wildlife Trust
Looking ahead
As we look ahead to the coming year, we are determined to build on this momentum. January has started with us showcasing the importance of well-being within the workspace with the EDIB group hosting a well-being afternoon; botany painting, meditation and a journaling session. With our EDIB co-chair, Robbie Still stepping into an acting deputy director role, we have the opportunity to promote a systemic approach from the top down. To further strengthen our efforts, we are actively seeking grants that will allow us to expand our team to provide additional support to our team.
We understand that diversity isn’t just for HR, our aim is to integrate inclusion throughout all teams, roles, and responsibilities, where a systematic strategy is required to develop a truly inclusive culture that goes beyond just training. The EDIB team created the Living Library series and EDIB meetings for just that, opening a space for people to share their experiences and a place for people to learn, listen, and feel heard. There is something incredible about having a space to discuss a broad range of thoughts and ideas, which we believe strengthen innovative ways of thinking, increasing communication across the organisation.
On behalf of our EDIB team, thank you to everyone involved and we are excited for the coming year!
