Context
In 2020, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) support was specified in the Funding Plus offer after receiving more requests in response to the growing awareness of organisations to examine bias, discrimination, and systemic behaviours. So far, 26 organisations have used Funding Plus towards this work, of which 22 were expected to complete their projects by the end of 2024.
Approaches to DEI work chosen by organisations vary widely depending on specific needs and circumstances, as do delivery methods and costs of the support. As DEI practice continues to evolve, Esmée asked us to review the support commissioned by organisations through Funding Plus, including:
- Why the DEI approach was chosen
- What worked, in what circumstances, and for who
- What organisations would do differently with hindsight
- Where the organisation is now on its DEI journey and what the support led to
- What the organisations think Esmée, and other funders, could do to continue to support DEI work
Purpose of the Review
Esmée wants to use the Review to:
- Understand the pros and cons of the different approaches to DEI – what works and what doesn't, in what circumstances – so that Esmée can better advise funded organisations.
- Understand what organisations think Esmée, and other funders, could do to continue to support DEI work.
- Help shape Esmée’s internal DEI work and progress internal DEI commitments.
- Esmée also wants to share the key findings with organisations it funds, other funders, and the wider sector.
About Funding Plus
Funding Plus is funding for capacity building provided to organisations Esmée funds to help them achieve greater impact. It is a responsive demand-led fund that enables organisations to make the most of opportunities, and to receive support they might not otherwise be able to afford or prioritise. Funded organisations can apply for money (currently up to £9,000) to commission tailored training, mental health and wellbeing support, strategy and organisational development, and communications consultancy. Esmée does not have a preferred supplier list. This allows organisations to choose a provider and approach that best suits their needs and circumstances.
Terms used
Throughout this report, we use DEI to refer to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Other terms such as EDI (for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) have also been used where participants in the research have used them. You can see Esmée’s definition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here.
People of Colour (POC) has been used to describe people who are not white.
About the projects reviewed
Meet the authors
Theresa Jones
With a decade as a qualitative researcher, Theresa works on justice, equity, and inclusion research delivering cultural insights, shaping healthcare and community strategies.
Amira Tharani
Amira supports charities in advancing justice, equity, and inclusion. She specialises in participatory methods, ensuring insights lead to meaningful change.
Taslim Tharani
Tas combines organisational psychology and lived experience across research, consultancy, facilitation, and coaching, generating insights that advance equity and support relational change.