Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
A vision for a workplace where everyone achieves their potential
A deep belief in inclusion is at the heart of what we do. That’s why getting it right within our own organisation is vital.
Our Commitments to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are three distinct principles that guide our approach to creating supportive environments for both our colleagues and the people we work with.
We believe EDI goes beyond policies – it’s about rethinking how we work.
At every level – from our trustees and leadership team, through to our frontline staff, we are investing time and effort to understand what exclusion means for people and communities, and to create opportunities for everyone to grow their awareness. This includes consistently reviewing our data, strengthening recruitment practices, and delivering relevant training.
Behind this work is a diverse group of colleagues who meet regularly to shape and drive change.
Through our EDI Committee and Diversity Action Groups, staff from across all areas of the charity bring their individual perspectives, break down barriers, and help us build a more equal, inclusive, and welcoming Nacro for everyone.
We are committed to reflecting the communities we serve, and know that this takes work and conscious commitment.
Please visit Nacro Support, if you need additional support.
Our Journey So Far
Nacro’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Journey – Scroll to see our timeline of change
Formed almost six decades ago in 1966, Nacro’s mission from the very beginning has been rooted in social justice. Nacro started as an advocacy organisation for ex-offenders and has since grown into a national charity providing housing, education, health and criminal justice support for disadvantaged communities across the country.
2020 – Inspiration and reflection
The murder of George Floyd sparked global reflection on racial injustice. At Nacro, it inspired urgent conversations with staff and a recognition that we must take deliberate steps toward becoming a more inclusive organisation.
2021 – Formation of the EDI Committee
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee was formally created alongside an EDI Charter. This cross-organisational group brought together people with different lived experiences to lead and influence change.
2022 — Appointment of EDI Manager
To provide focus and leadership on this important work, Nacro appointed its first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager to guide and embed EDI across the organisation.
2022 — Improving board diversity
Our CEO began actively working to diversify Nacro’s Board of Trustees, ensuring our leadership reflects the communities we serve and brings inclusive direction to all parts of the organisation.
2022 — Development of the EDI Strategy
A clear EDI Strategy was developed with three priorities:
• Better data collection and analysis
• Inclusive recruitment and retention
• Improved EDI training and awareness
2023 — A national framework is created
The EDI strategy informed the creation of a national framework, collaboratively developed by service users, volunteers, students and staff from across the organisation, to support systemic change and workforce-wide engagement.
2024 — Appointment of Director of People and Culture
To further embed inclusive leadership, a new Director of People and Culture role was created, ensuring EDI is integrated into strategic planning, workforce development, and organisational culture.
2024 — Data-driven
Nacro’s aim for better workforce diversity data was surpassed, with our Diversity Monitoring Form completion rate reaching over 80%. This has helped us build a clearer picture of who we are.
2025 — Phase 2: Embedding inclusion in our organisation
We have developed an EDI Theory of Change Roadmap — a 3-year framework to define the outcomes we want to achieve and map the steps needed to create lasting, systemic change.
How we are creating change
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is prioritised and discussed at all levels of the organisation, from our Board of Trustees, our Senior Leadership Team to our EDI Committee and Diversity Action Groups.
Our EDI Committee includes more than 30 people from across the organisation, committed to positive change within Nacro and wider society. The group meets regularly to discuss and develop new ways of working and create awareness raising opportunities across Nacro. They help to break down barriers and develop practical steps to move our EDI vision forward.
Our EDI Leadership Team
Jed Khaliq
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Manager
Jed Khaliq
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Manager
Jed is Nacro’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Manager, and formerly worked in our Sheffield Education Centre. “I want to build a community that inspires trust, hope, and a sense of belonging. A place where you feel welcomed and respected no matter what your background is. These are all essential values in making sure we serve and connect with our people whose lives we care about”.
Lizzi Trueblood
Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee
Lizzi Trueblood
Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee
Lizzi Trueblood is the new Chair for our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee.
“I joined Nacro in January 2025, as part of the senior team for CAS-2, a service funded by the MoJ to reduce the pressure on the custodial estate by providing short-term housing and support in the community, for certain cohorts of people, who would otherwise be held on remand. We provide participants with the stability and support they need to move on to a positive, crime-free future.
Being appointed the Chair of Nacro’s EDI Committee is an honour. This role gives me the opportunity to work closely with our wonderfully diverse colleagues to build on positive steps Nacro has already taken to be an inclusive employer, championing equality amongst our staff, services users/residents, and students. I’m looking forward to all we can achieve together as the voice of our staff advocating for change and promoting EDI across Nacro.”
Abbass Shah
Vice-Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee
Abbass Shah
Vice-Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee
Abbass is our Vice-Chair of the EDI Team.
Video: EDI at Nacro
Equity, diversity and inclusion work being done at Nacro in 2026.
Our Commitment
We’re making key long-term recommendations to improve our recruitment processes and remove potential barriers to inclusion.
We’re enhancing our Reasonable Adjustments Form to better support staff and applicants individual needs.
We’re maintaining a workforce-wide Diversity Monitoring Form completion rate of over 80%, helping us build a clearer picture of who we are.
We celebrate key awareness events each month to highlight and support marginalised communities.
We recently refreshed our groups’ purpose and identity to ensure they remain inclusive, effective, and empowering. We will ensure that we consistently support all our people with the appropriate tools and resources they need.
We’re supporting the development of staff-led Peer Support Networks to foster connection and shared experience.
We’re offering continued support to our trans colleagues and service users, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling.
A strategic plan outlining how our specific actions and initiatives today will lead to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation tomorrow. Our clear goals and the steps to achieve them serve as a roadmap for steadily understanding, implementing and measuring our EDI efforts over the next three years.
EDI Resources
Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) – Faith and culturally sensitive mental health support
Jewish Helpline – Emotional support for anyone in the Jewish community
Nishkam Centre – Sikh-based community support and wellbeing services
FaithAction – Resources and networks connecting faith groups with community services
Stonewall – Support, advocacy, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – Confidential listening service
Galop – Support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse or hate crime
Gendered Intelligence – Trans inclusion training and youth support
Beaumont Society – Support for the transgender community and their families
Black Minds Matter UK – Mental health services for Black individuals and families
The Monitoring Group – Support for people facing racial violence or discrimination
Runnymede Trust – Research and advocacy on racial equality
Black Equity Organisation – Economic, legal social and political equity for Black communities
Race on the Agenda – Working with communities to eliminate systemic racial injustices.
Scope – Information and support for disabled people and their families
National Autistic Society – Services and advocacy for autistic people
Mencap – Learning disability support and resources
Disability Rights UK – Rights, support, and accessibility guidance
Mind – Mental health charity offering tailored support and helplines
Together for Mental Wellbeing – Person-centred mental health support
I’m delighted to be the trustee that sponsors equity, diversity and inclusion at Nacro. I want our board, senior leadership team, staff and service users to feel equal, to be themselves, and inclusive of everyone. In practice this means respect for all, having empathy for others and genuinely caring.Amanda Dickens - Nacro Trustee
Want to work at Nacro?
Browse our latest job vacancies and apply online. Search by the area of the business you’d like to work in, or apply for our talent pool where we’ll let you know about any suitable roles.
Download our 2026 wall planner
Join us in celebrating our EDI community with our wall planner. Our 2026 wall planner, contains the dates of the main EDI days across the year for you to celebrate.