Cafcass publishes equality, diversity and inclusion objectives
Cafcass’ new strategic objectives for equality, diversity and inclusion have been published. These objectives will guide the development of Cafcass’ new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, due to be launched in 2022.
There are four new objectives including:
- Better data and insight, used well
We will increase the proportion of children, families and employees for whom we capture information about their protected characteristics and publish analyses of that information to show whether there are disparities in their experience of us as a service provider or employer, and what action we have taken as a result.
- Leadership and commitment
We would like all leaders and managers to be inclusive in their behaviours and styles of leadership. This means respecting the uniqueness of colleagues, ruling out discrimination based on protected characteristics and enabling everyone to feel that their input is valued. It also means seeking out a range of perspectives on the many issues we face at Cafcass, being ambassadors of diversity and inclusion and the significance in our work, accepting our own vulnerabilities and biases and communicating clearly about the need for listening and discussion to find the best solutions.
- People, culture, environment
We will improve the recruitment, retention, progression, development and experience of the people who work for Cafcass to achieve greater diversity at all levels of the organisation.
- Skilled and confident practitioners and wider workforce
We will make talking to children and families about race culture and heritage a core competency for all frontline staff – reflected in job descriptions, induction, training, reflective supervision, practice observation, performance learning and development reviews and case audits. We will also encourage staff at all levels and in all parts of the organisation to talk to their colleagues about race, culture and heritage, to find out about our differences and our uniqueness. Managers will become more competent and confident in talking about these issues in supervision and performance learning reviews.
These objectives have been developed using feedback from our colleagues and feedback from children and families on what more needs to be done to make sure everyone in Cafcass respects equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our new Cafcass value ‘Wanting to know more about you and what is important in your life’ has also influenced the development of these objectives, which will support all individuals in Cafcass to live this value in all interactions with colleagues, children and families.
Julie Brown, Strategic Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Cafcass said:
“I want to thank every employee at Cafcass, and every child, young person, parent and carer who, by providing us with their feedback, has allowed us to understand the diversity of their experiences and what more we need to do to meet their needs. As a result, we have been able to identify clear actions and priorities for all corners of the organisation to make sure Cafcass is a place that is free from discrimination, and where every person can feel confident they are respected for who they are. Our new equality, diversity and inclusion objectives provide a clear direction of travel for the organisation over the next three years, and I look forward to seeing the difference we have made by 2024.”