Shaw Trust has achieved the UK National Equality Standard (NES) at the first attempt.
The organisation was independently evaluated by EY, one of the largest professional services firms globally, as fully compliant against 29 of the 35 NES competencies. The NES is the accepted standard for inclusiveness in business across the UK and is supported by the Home Office, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
This is a rare achievement for any organisation to pass the NES assessment at the first attempt, with less than 25% of organisations passing, with even fewer achieving 29 out of the 35 competencies, with the remaining six competencies graded as partially met and none graded as not met. To achieve the standard Shaw Trust came together as an organisation with more than 700 colleagues completing the cultural survey and in excess of 90 colleagues participating in interviews and focus groups.
Arun Batra OBE CEO and Founder of the National Equality Standard, commented:
“I’m delighted to say that Shaw Trust met the level of proficiency required for the UK NES and has therefore been successful in achieving the NES accreditation. It was noticeable that Shaw Trust has put substantial effort into diversity and inclusion activities over the last few years, and that this is beginning to have a positive impact on the organisation. A robust strategy supported by the board is driving progress. It is encouraging to see a strong commitment from leadership, an open and welcoming culture as reported by staff and strong efforts to support positive mental health.”
Chris Luck, Shaw Trust’s Chief Executive, commented:
“To pass the National Equality Standard at our first attempt and this early in our Vision 2030 journey is a truly great achievement. I commissioned an external evaluation of the ‘One Shaw Trust’ people goal, featured in our strategic directive, to assess our diversity approach and cultural shift – both critical strategic enablers and goals in themselves. To have passed first time is a matter of pride for all our people. Please be assured that we will not become complacent or overconfident. We now have external evidence as to where we are and where we want to get to.”
Michelle Jackson, Senior Equality Adviser at Shaw Trust, commented:
“We are delighted with our achievement and I want to thank everyone who supported our submission. The report gives us much to be proud about, however, it is important we now seek to progress and will be addressing the recommendations outlined in the NES report to help us progress to the next stage in our diversity and inclusion evolution.”
