CultureBase Inclusion & Diversity plan (including gender equality actions)

CultureBase Consulting is committed to ensuring that inclusion, diversity and equality are considered across our organisation, including in our research activities and partnerships. 

We believe that removing barriers to participation, ensuring diverse representation, and creating equitable opportunities for partners and participants not only strengthens the inclusivity of our work, but also leads to richer insights and better outcomes for everyone involved.

This means we commit to ensuring that no member of staff or job applicant are discriminated against either directly or indirectly on any unlawful grounds, in accordance with the UK Equality Act 2010.

This inclusion and diversity plan has been developed in line with the Horizon Europe Guidance on Gender Equality Plans, considering mandatory and thematic elements, as well as relevant UK legislation. We align our policies and practices with those of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and many UK higher education institutions (HEIs), and review our policies and practices on a regular basis.

The scope for this inclusion & diversity plan spans both activities undertaken by CultureBase Consulting as an organisation, and all company employees. 

Mandatory processes

Category Action
Communication    Publish our plan

The CultureBase inclusion & diversity plan (including gender equality actions) is published on the CultureBase website and is updated regularly. The plan has been endorsed by the organisation’s Directors.
Dedicated resource  Take responsibility for delivery

Both Directors are responsible for the delivery of this plan. One Director takes the lead (rotating annually) on tracking indicators, proposing reviews and ensuring this public plan is updated annually.
Data collection Collect relevant data

On hiring employees, we collect information on protected characteristics (including self-identification of gender) and offer the opportunity to highlight caring responsibilities.
Reporting Report on implementation

We monitor inclusion, diversity and equality across the organisation, with the lead Director offering a report at an annual strategy workshop. This reporting covers internal indicators as well as the integration of our commitments in our work with associates. 
Training Provide training on the UK Equality Act 

We ensure all CultureBase staff complete and pass an online training module on the UK Equality Act 2010.

Thematic areas we focus on

Category Action
Organisational culture   Develop comprehensive staff policies

We will develop comprehensive policies on maternity, paternity, flexible working and time off for dependents, in line with UK legislation.
Measures against violence, including sexual harassment Develop zero tolerance policy

We will develop a zero-tolerance policy to ensure there is no doubt that CultureBase will not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying, including gender-based violence. This policy will describe a procedure for reporting and addressing complaints.
Inclusion, diversity and equality in our research and activities Ensure appropriate representation in our research

We will continue to refine our research approaches to maximise appropriate representation of participants (e.g. in surveys, focus groups and workshops), including gender balance.
Inclusion, diversity and equality in workshops and events Monitor attendance at CultureBase workshops and events

Where relevant and appropriate, we monitor participation in our focus groups, workshops and other events, including data on gender. We use these data to assess the effectiveness of our approaches and improve them.

 

Next Steps

Category Action
Future Review this plan

CultureBase will carry out the next review of inclusion, diversity and equality across the organisation in January 2027. This will be led by the nominated Director and will focus on inclusive research practices and partnerships.