Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Strategy
1. Introduction
Pattigift Therapy holds the specific ethos of centring African worldviews, heritage and
community needs. Ubuntu (I am because we are), respect for diversity, anti-racism, cultural
humility, holistic wellbeing and social justice are key to the purpose of the company. At the
same time, the company is committed to providing safe, accessible and inclusive counselling
and therapy to all individuals, regardless of background, identity or circumstance.
This strategy sets out our commitment to advancing equality, embracing diversity, and
fostering inclusion across both our staff (which includes employed, volunteer, sessional and
trainees) and the services we provide.
2. Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We commit to:
Equality: Ensuring fair access to therapeutic services for all, with particular focus on
African heritage communities often marginalised in mainstream mental health
provision.
Diversity: Honouring and valuing the cultural, spiritual, linguistic, gendered, and
sexual diversity within African and wider communities.
Inclusion: Actively creating safe, affirming spaces where clients, staff, and
communities feel seen, heard, and respected.
3. Our Vision
We aim to provide a service where:
Every client feels respected, heard, and understood.
Therapists and staff reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Inclusion, cultural awareness and fairness are embedded in everything we do.
4. Strategic Objectives
1. Accessible Services – Ensure therapy is available to people from all backgrounds,
removing barriers related to language, disability, cost, or stigma.
2. Diverse Workforce – recruit, support, and retain staff who reflect our community.
3. Culturally Competent Practice – equip all therapists with the skills to work
effectively across cultures, identities, and experiences.
4. Inclusive Environment – Create safe, non-judgmental spaces where clients feel
respected and valued.
5. Continuous Learning – Embed reflective practice around EDI into supervision, CPD,
and team development.
5. Service Delivery
Provide therapy in multiple formats (face-to-face, online, telephone) to improve
accessibility.
Ensure premises and digital platforms are fully accessible (wheelchair access,
captions, easy-read materials).
Offer financial support mechanisms (sliding scale fees, bursaries, or subsidised
sessions).
Work with interpreters and provide translated materials where required.
Develop inclusive therapy approaches (e.g., LGBTQ+ affirmative practice, trauma-
informed approaches for refugees and survivors).
6. Governance and Accountability
Leadership: The Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team hold overall
responsibility for EDI.
Operational Oversight: An EDI Lead will coordinate actions, report progress, and
ensure accountability.
Transparency: Progress will be reviewed annually, with updates shared with staff,
clients, and stakeholders.
7. Data and Evidence
Collect and analyse anonymised demographic data (with consent) to identify gaps in
service reach.
Monitor recruitment, retention, and progression by protected characteristics.
Seek regular client feedback specifically about inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
We will measure progress through:
External benchmarking where possible (e.g., accreditation schemes, partnerships).