Inclusion at the MND Association
Motor Neurone Disease does not discriminate - although it's most common later in life, it can affect anyone - People from any ethnic background, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, age or socio-economic status can develop MND - that's why Inclusion is so important here.
Inclusion is not just something we talk about – it shapes how we work, the decisions we make and the support we provide. We are committed to making the MND Association a place where people feel respected, valued and able to be themselves.
Our journey towards inclusion
Inclusion isn’t a project, it’s a way of working. We are learning, listening and taking action to build a fairer, safer and more inclusive organisation.
So far, we have:
- Started to remove barriers so more people can access our support
- Launched project groups to assess the barriers to care for under-represented MND communities
- Built Inclusion Networks so people can connect and influence change
- Advancing our capabilities around data collection to help us make informed decisions
- Reviewed how we recruit and develop our people to improve fairness
- Launching Inclusion Passports for all staff to make it easier for people to get the support they need
- Committed to only using accessible venues and communications
- Commissioned an external EDI Audit which we are working at pace to implement
- Built a team of Inclusion Champions and Mental Health First Aiders
- Achieved Level 2 Disability Confident Employer status
We’re making progress, but we’re not finished. Inclusion is long-term work, and we’re committed to it.
Everyone Belongs:
We celebrate difference and believe we are stronger because of it. We want everyone to feel that they can be themselves here -
Therefore we expect everyone at the Association: be that staff, volunteers, trustees or supporters to:
- Treat others with dignity
- Listen and communicate with care
- Value different perspectives
- Disagree respectfully
- Challenge unfairness
- Show kind and inclusive behaviours every day
Network groups and Forums
We have a number of staff and volunteer network groups and forums which are designed to help ensure that people from different communities who work, volunteer or who are otherwise part of the Association feel safe supported and comfortable, have a voice and make a difference within and to the Association. At present the current active networks include:
Pride Network (The group is open to any member, friend or ally, of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer or questioning, Intersex and Asexual+ community who has or is affected by MND or who volunteers or works for the Association. To find out more please contact: pride@mndassociation.org)
Mind Matters Network (A network for staff who are Neurodivergent or affected by Mental Health challenges)
Parent and Carers support network (For any staff member with parental or caring responsibilities)
Women’s Health Network (a supportive community where women and people experiencing menopause, perimenopause, endometriosis, fertility challenges or any other complex women’s health issues can feel valued, heard and supported)
Disabilities and long term conditions network (An inclusive network where employees and volunteers with physical impairments feel valued, heard and empowered to thrive)
Embrace Race Equality Network (a safe, inclusive space for staff and volunteers from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds)
