Charities Push for Internal Reforms to Advance DEI Goals – With Help From Executive Search

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become pressing priorities for charities looking to drive change within their own organisations. As executive recruiters working closely with nonprofits, we have seen charity leaders examining internal policies and cultures to address systemic inequities faced by women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled staff, and other marginalised groups. This reflects a broader reckoning on DEI issues sweeping across the nonprofit sector.

Many charities are overhauling hiring practices to mitigate unconscious bias after studies showed minority candidates often get overlooked. Organisations like Oxfam and Save the Children have instituted diverse interview panels and skills-based assessments to focus on abilities versus cultural fit. Some charities have set representation targets, e.g. the National Council for Voluntary Organisations aims for half of new hires to be disabled or from ethnic minorities.

Retention is being tackled through mentoring and sponsorship initiatives, employee resource groups for underrepresented staff, and updated policies like gender-neutral parental leave. The Institute of Fundraising found the gender pay gap doubled from 5% to 10% when women had children, so extended paid leave aims to prevent talent churn. Promotion rates are being analysed using diversity data analytics to detect when and why women or minorities hit glass or "sticky" ceilings.

Trainings help combat racist, sexist, or ableist microaggressions in workplace culture, while emphasising psychological safety so staff feel comfortable raising concerns. Charities like Oxfam and Citizens UK are conducting external pay equity audits and taking steps to balance compensation across demographic groups. Some organisations are piloting four-day weeks to improve flexibility and work-life balance.

But charities acknowledge much more progress is needed. Leadership teams remain predominantly white and male - here executive search can help by sourcing diverse candidate slates. Sector pay gaps persist, with male CEOs paid ￡106k on average versus ￡82k for women. Racial justice initiatives are just getting started, though anti-racism training is on the rise.

Crucially, charities realise they must better represent their diverse communities. Executive recruiters can assist through inclusive hiring and establishing advisory boards with minority voices and lived experiences. As advocates for vulnerable groups, charities must lead by example internally. While the work is challenging, the potential for impact makes advancing DEI essential.

Emily Formby

Not-for-Profit / Charity - Search Specialist

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