Working here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion is central to us achieving our purpose as a charity and making sure no young person is left behind. We have the same goal for everyone working with us.
Our inclusion journey
We exist to make sure that every young person with cancer in the UK has the best treatment, care and support. This means every young person regardless of who they are. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) is central to us achieving our purpose as a charity and making sure no young person is left behind.
We have the same goal for everyone working with us at Teenage Cancer Trust, from our employees to our nurses, Youth Support Coordinators to our volunteers. We want to make sure we accurately represent the communities we serve, and address the charity sector and health inequalities that we know exist.
Our mission is to make sure that different lived experiences are valued, and that people from underrepresented and marginalised groups can thrive and be the best versions of themselves at Teenage Cancer Trust.
Our EDI strategy and plans
In 2022 we published our first ever EDI statement and strategy. We’ve made progress on this, but we know we have a long way to go. You can see some of the progress we’ve made here.
One of our focuses has been to create sustainable frameworks and groups, as a way to make sure we’re embedding inclusion across our organisation, and to create a sense of community and belonging. Our groups include:
EDI Working Group
We have a working group that meets every two months to discuss, get involved and champion our EDI work.
Our Employee Network Groups
Race Network: This group exists for all colleagues who identify as a person of colour and/or from an ethnically diverse community to connect, socialise and discuss issues relevant to their identity.
LGBTQ+ Network: This group exists for all colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+ to connect, socialise and have a safe space to discuss issues relevant to their identity.
Menopause Café: This group is open to anyone experiencing or wanting to learn more about menopause. It’s a chance to share experiences, socialise and support one another.
What our colleagues say
“For me, Teenage Cancer Trust is a microcosm of my wider world, and being part of the EDI working group is constantly teaching me how to be a kinder colleague and therefore a kinder mother, partner, friend, neighbour etc. … I think working for a charity, which naturally attracts compassionate humans, also has an element of risk around complacency, and the EDI group has helped challenge my assumptions and, I believe, the wider organisation’s”. Kasia Bailey, Partnership Development Manager
“I really enjoy being part of the EDI group which is an integral part of our organisation. EDI activities, group conversations and watch parties have allowed me to learn from those whose backgrounds and experiences are different from my own. This translates into a supportive workplace where we respect differences, can be who we are and bring our whole selves to work”. Teenage Cancer Trust colleague