Diversity isn’t just about ethnicity, or equal opportunity questionnaires. Communities across the UK are increasingly complex, and there are many different ways in which people can be directly or indirectly excluded. There is also a growing recognition that diversity is at the core of successful community regeneration.
Development trusts work in towns, cities and rural areas across the UK, and are in a unique position to engage with diverse communities. The communities they represent are diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, gender, abilities, levels of education, employment status, and many other factors.
The DTA has already collected valuable stories from development trusts that have engaged with diversity in their communities, and we hope these will be helpful and inspiring to others. A break down of these stories is provided below but we are seeking more ideas and feedback from practitioners:
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO GIVE US YOUR VIEWS & COMMENTS
EXISTING CASE STUDIES:
Mapping diversity: Hunting for local skills and visions
Participative Governance: Making space for diversity on the Board
Working with staff: Policies and practice
Giving local people a voice
Fighting isolation and exclusion
Exploiting diversity for economic prosperity
Building community assets
Celebrating diversity: Using community events and festivals
You can also browse through the full report on engaging with diverse communities: 'Bonds & bridges: A DTA practitioner guide to community diversity'.
