Reflecting and respecting our community
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Cheshire Community Foundation, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to who we are and how we work. Our mission is to connect those who care with causes that matter – and to do this well, our people, partners and practices must reflect and respect the communities of Cheshire and Warrington.
We are proud to be building a culture where everyone feels they belong, where differences are valued and where people from all backgrounds can thrive.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
We aim to break down barriers and prevent all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
We embed diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of our governance, employment practices and grant-making.
We actively seek to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and value the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings.
We monitor representation, set aspirational objectives, and take positive action to address underrepresentation.
What We’re Doing
Within our organisation:
We strive to attract, support and retain a diverse team of staff, trustees and volunteers. Our hiring practices focus on skills, lived experience and potential. We offer reasonable adjustments, flexible working and tailored support.
From onboarding to leadership, we ensure our policies, training and day-to-day practices promote dignity, understanding and opportunity for all.
Guided by local demographics, we benchmark our diversity across ethnicity, disability and neurodiversity, gender, LGBTQ+ identity, age and socioeconomic background. These are reviewed annually to drive continual progress.
Through our grant-making:
We are committed to making our grant funding accessible and responsive to the needs of diverse groups. We encourage applications from organisations led by and for minoritised or disadvantaged communities.
Where there are clear needs or gaps, we take steps to reach and support underrepresented groups, ensuring that our funding helps to tackle local inequalities.
Our grant processes are designed to be open, fair and easy to understand, with support available to help applicants overcome barriers.
Our Benchmarks
We publish and review diversity data regularly. These are not quotas, but benchmarks, based on the population of Cheshire and Warrington, to help us track progress and take meaningful action. As of 2025:
We aim for at least 5% of our staff and trustees to be from Black, Asian, Mixed or other minority ethnic backgrounds.
We aim for at least 10% representation of people identifying as disabled or neurodivergent.
We strive for a gender balance, including in leadership roles.
We aim for 3–5% of staff and trustees to openly identify as LGBTQ+.
We encourage participation across all age groups, especially under 35s and over 65s.
We aim for 10–15% of our people to come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Where We Stand Today
AGE
- Benchmark
Participation across all age groups, particularly those under 35 and over 65.
- Our Team (Staff and Trustees)
4% under 35
28% 35-44
12% 45-54
24% 55-64
16% 65 and over16% prefer not to say
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
- Benchmark
At least 3% identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual
- Our Team (Staff and Trustees)
4%
ETHNICITY
- Benchmark
At least 5% to be from Black, Asian, Mixed or other minority ethnic backgrounds
- Our Team (Staff and Trustees)
84% White British
16% Prefer not to say
GENDER
- Benchmark
50% women 50% men
- Our Team (Staff and Trustees)
48% women
36% men
16% other
Socioeconomic Background
- Benchmark
10-15% to identify as from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Our Team (Staff and Trustees)
20% Working Class
20% Lower-middle Class
40% Middle Class
4% Upper-middle Class
16% Prefer not to say
DISABILITY
- Benchmark
At least 10% to identify as disabled or neurodivergent
- Our Team (Staff and Trustees)
12%
Learning & Accountability
We take any complaints of discrimination seriously, investigating thoroughly and taking appropriate action.
Our Senior Management Team and Board review progress annually and adjust our approach in response to new insights, local demographics and emerging needs.
Looking Ahead
We recognise that creating a truly inclusive organisation is an ongoing journey. We will keep listening, learning and evolving to ensure that Cheshire Community Foundation is a place where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Find Out More
Download our Diversity and Equality Policy (April 2025)
Contact us if you’d like to learn more or have suggestions on how we can continue to improve.
