Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Statement

BTO is open to everyone

We are committed to ensuring that our vacancies, activities and events are inclusive and open to everyone, regardless of protected characteristics.

We will support the well-being of those who work or volunteer with us and celebrate BTO’s diverse community. We are committed to taking an intersectional approach and not to isolate anyone in siloes.

BTO has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment

We have a zero-tolerance policy on harassment on the grounds of a protected characteristic and unacceptable behaviour. We take seriously complaints that arise in the course of the organisation’s work and we will take steps to prevent and address it. Zero tolerance means that the steps we take will not be influenced by factors other than whether or not the behaviour was unacceptable e.g. length of service, position, etc.

BTO is committed to reducing implicit bias and using positive action for diversity

When recruiting staff and volunteers, we take steps to reduce implicit bias: we provide guidance to recruiting managers, and use a system that removes identifying information. We also use initiatives that aim to reduce and remove barriers to those who are under-represented and under-served in BTO and the sector: we are users of the Disability Confident employer scheme, and guarantee first-round interviews for candidates from a minority ethnic background who meet the essential criteria for a role.

BTO is committed to keep learning

We will continue to educate our staff and inform our community in order to stay on track of the changes in society to ensure our culture is as inclusive, relevant and reflective of our society as possible. For this we will continually review the work we are putting in place to track our EDI progress. We are open to challenge, ideas and feedback, so please get in touch at peopleteam@bto.org. 

To understand the difference between equity and equality, read this blog by BTO CEO Juliet Vickery.