Solutions Focused

Race Equality Matters is not a talk shop. Nor will we fixate on what is not working. We inspire change by creating solutions and working with organisations to implement them.

Safe Space Plus is one of these solutions. 

Safe Space  Plus will provide a protected environment to enable brave conversations, which may otherwise be avoided as too uncomfortable, in order to generate action-focussed, meaningful and tailored outcomes, driven by the people they matter to.

Supported by our Race Equality Network, Safe Space Plus will help you achieve facilitated meaningful dialogue between ethnically diverse employees and their senior leaders and/or board members, whom must be willing to make a commitment and take action to address some of the key issues raised.

SAFE SPACE GUIDE

GET THE SAFE SPACE PLUS GUIDE

A step by step guide to running Safe Space Plus.

SAFE SPACE FACILITATOR WORKSHOP

Tips for the facilitator of Safe Space

The Silent voice

It was also clear that whilst race networks are fantastic for support and the wellbeing of ethnically diverse colleagues, they tend to have little power or influence within their organisation. Hence from our research the majority of race network leads and experts believe that generally networks have no real means available in creating change in the workplace.

Safe Space Plus was developed in direct response to this feedback, offering a way to enable race networks to drive meaningful action for race equality across organisations nationally.

Recent months have seen intense global focus on race equality. Much has been said and promised, but what change has really happened. Now is the time to turn conversation into action.

Really Listening to that Voice

The principle behind Safe Space Plus is to create the environment required to enable a meaningful and purposeful dialogue between board members and ethnically diverse employees. With a focus on creating meaningful change.

It is accepted the only way for change to happen is to not just hear but really listen to what people are saying and be willing to get uncomfortable.

Safe Space Plus creates the right environment for this and ensures an organisation moves from just talk to action!

What Safe Space Plus Is

It is a 2-hour facilitated dialogue between 3-5 board members and up to 10 ethnically diverse colleagues. The model is split into 3 distinct parts Safe Space Plus enables you to:

Research respondents were asked what they thought would stop or prevent action from being taken. Here’s what they said and how Safe Space Plus counteracts the obstacles to change:

Factors preventing change How Safe Space Plus addresses these factors
Lack of/Inconsistent senior leadership support for race Safe Space requires board members’ commitment and participation throughout
Ethnically Diverse colleagues’ voices are not heard or a small unrepresentative number of voices are heard Safe Space creates an environment in which representative voices are both heard and listened to
Action won’t be taken on concerns and issues we raise Safe Space Plus connects those with the power to make change happen with those who can identify issues to be addressed
There will be negative consequences for those who speak outSafe Space Plus is all about senior leaders’ assurance that there will be no negative consequences for participants. Indeed, there contribution is greatly valued
Ethnically Diverse staff are not involved in next steps; hence momentum and direction get lostSafe Space Plus requires the involvement of ethnically diverse staff in next steps

Why your organisation should take part

Here are just some of the reasons why your organisation should participate:

  1. It is good for business; it is good for your employees and it is good for society
  2. Take positive action to demonstrate your organisation is serious about race
  3. Unite with organisations nationally to demonstrate that corporate UK is serious about race equality
  4. Kick-start and maintain the momentum of your race equality agenda
  5. Pioneer action on race equality
  6. Attract and retain talent through your visible and real commitment to race equality and inclusion
  7. Demonstrate commitment to race through more than just words and understand the importance of being uncomfortable to create change
  8. Stand out to existing and potential clients by proactively leading change
  9. Turbo-charge your inclusive culture to positively impact performance and your bottom line
  10. The business case is clear that equal, diverse, and inclusive workplaces can positively impact on performance, profitability, recruitment, retention, and talent development

Download The Safe Space Plus Guide

ENABLE brave conversations
FACILITATE uncomfortable discussions
Drive meaningful CHANGE

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

4th Wave in the Trailblazer series - Applications now open

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VIRTUAL EVENT: 21 September 12.30-13.45 Get Ready for Race Equality Week

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