Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At Veterans With Dogs, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are fundamental. Getting this right is critical to living our values of respect, care and compassion.

Our Aims

• To be a more inclusive, diverse and equitable organisation—so our support remains impartial, neutral and universal.
• To become an anti-racist organisation, welcoming people of all ethnicities to work, volunteer or seek help.

Our Vision for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• We’re committed to being a safe and inclusive organisation, always learning and growing to proactively dismantle barriers, eliminate discrimination and create true equity.
• Our team learns, understands and takes action to dismantle discrimination and nurture a safe, inclusive environment.
• Our workforce draws on diverse skills, experiences and capabilities at every level.
• We embed equity and remove barriers to participation across all areas of our work.

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy guides these aims. We’re driven by co-production, listening to lived experience, sharing power, and upholding our values.

What Do We Mean by Equity, Diversity and Inclusion?

• Equity: Unlike equality—which treats everyone identically—equity acknowledges that people face different advantages and barriers. It’s an ongoing process of recognising inequality and correcting the imbalance.
• Diversity: Anything that makes us different—our backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and skills.
• Inclusion: Actively embracing diversity, ensuring people from all walks of life feel welcome and valued. Inclusion is reflected in our systems, policies, and daily behaviours.

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy