Diversity and Inclusion
At Explore Learning, our people are educators and role models, so we have a responsibility to embody the beliefs and values that we hope to see in future generations. We are proud to deliver tuition to a diverse range of families, so it’s important to us that Explore Learning celebrates diversity and prioritises inclusion for our members and people.
We believe that:
In order to serve them best, the diversity of our people should represent the diversity of our memberships.
Everyone should feel that they can show up to work as their true selves, with all aspects of their identity celebrated.
All voices should be valued and we all deserve to work in an environment where we can thrive.
Diversity in our workforce makes us stronger and different perspectives collaborating together is the key to our success and innovation.
What we’ve been doing
In 2020 we formed a diversity and inclusion group consisting of people at every level of the business, with the aim to create a safe space to reflect on our current practices and shape the future of Explore for the better.
To enhance the impact of the group we wanted to create more opportunities to listen to our people and work together towards real change, so in 2022 we created our staff networks. These networks are a place for our people to discuss their views, experiences, share ideas and initiatives and make social connections at work. Insights from each group are used to help shape Explore’s future and improve Diversity and Inclusion at all levels.
Our staff networks:
Pride (LGBTQ+)
A safe space for staff who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary or queer.
Enable and Access
Supporting our people who identify as neurodiverse or has a disability (including ones that may be hidden).
Ethnically Diverse
Celebrating our people who are from different ethnic backgrounds, sharing experiences and building connections.
Mental Health
Championing positive mental health and wellbeing
Parents and Carers
Supporting our parents and those who have dependents and care for others.
Faith
Celebraitng our multi-faith workforce, supporting each other in practicing faiths and to learn and share experiences of faith.
Some of our recent actions on diversity and inclusion:
Using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to support our people and students with a hidden disability. The discreet indicator lets those around know that the wearer may need additional time, patience and understanding.
Supporting our staff with their mental health - access to our new wellbeing app and the introduction of two paid wellbeing days given to every salaried member of staff.
Celebration and Awareness calendar to actively celebrate diversity in our communities and with our people.
New resources have been created to support our people to be inclusive managers and educators and ensure that everyone can thrive at Explore Learning.
To ensure we keep progressing, we have created a Diversity and Inclusion manifesto which outlines our key commitments.
What impact have our staff networks had for our teams?
Being in a network has given me connections to more people than I could ever meet day to day. We have a voice together and we support each other, as well as socialise!
Morgan, Curriculum Author
Staff networks can play an important role in supporting the goals of the organisation, by providing feedback on policies and procedures, contributing to decision-making processes, and promoting Explore's values and mission.
Sophie, Assistant Director
Our networks at Explore provide a safe space to meet new people with similar experiences to build supportive connections. We also hold scheduled meetings to discuss how Explore can commemorate events relevant to each network and also what we would like from Explore in terms of support.
Kelsey, Tutor
We are proud of the steps we've taken so far but the journey is ongoing
Our priority is to make sure our staff keep sharing their experiences and continue having conversations about what is working well and what needs improving. We are committed to listen, learn, and make active change for our members and employees, with the aim of making Explore a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.
Richard, Head of ESG & Inclusion
We are proud of the steps we have taken as a business since 2020, but our work is never done and we are committed at continuing our efforts in this area. People being able to show up as their true, whole selves at work is imperative to creating a workplace culture where people thrive. Staying open, curious and continually learning from each other means we can make active changes for our people and our members.
