“Inclusive Employers has been instrumental in shaping our thinking, policies, and approach to inclusion. Their support has helped us foster a truly inclusive culture—not just as a tick-box exercise.”
UK Coaching supports the nation’s coaches, offering guidance, tools, and resources that inspire and empower individuals across the sector. Their UK Coaching Club connects a diverse range of coaches, including sports coaches, exercise trainers, volunteers, and teachers. Jess Capelli Beavan, Equity Equality Diversity and Inclusion Manager, and Sally Frani, People Partner, have led UK Coaching’s inclusion journey.
UK Coaching became an Inclusive Employers member in 2021
The challenge: Limited focus on inclusion and collaboration
Before joining Inclusive Employers, UK Coaching had minimal emphasis on inclusion. “The organisation looked and felt very different before we joined. We were predominantly HQ-based from 9 to 5, and there wasn’t much cross-team collaboration. At the time, we also had high staff turnover.”
UK Coaching first engaged with Inclusive Employers through the Leading for Renewal programme in partnership with Sport England. This experience introduced them to the Inclusive Sport team, leading to their decision to become members in early 2021.
The solution: A holistic approach to embedding inclusion
Through their Membership, UK Coaching has gained expert guidance and a reliable sounding board. “Michelle, our account manager, has been brilliant. She has monthly check-ins with us, offering valuable insights and ensuring we don’t miss anything.”
With Inclusive Employers’ support, UK Coaching has:
- Embedded equality impact assessments into project management
- Delivered learning sessions on different protected characteristics throughout the year
- Organised panel events where staff share experiences, challenges, and successes
- Reviewed and analysed diversity data
- Rewritten all policies to be gender-neutral
- Commissioned an Inclusive Employers culture survey and developed an EEDI strategy based on the findings
The impact: a 38% drop in staff turnover
UK Coaching has seen measurable improvements in retention and workplace culture:
“We’ve seen a 38% drop in leavers compared to last year. Our stay interviews over the last six months have shown overwhelmingly positive feedback. People genuinely enjoy working here, which is a great position to be in.”
Beyond retention, there’s been a cultural shift:
- Greater cross-team collaboration and open conversation
- Increased trust, leading to more staff disclosing experiences with neurodiversity and mental health
- A more supportive environment, with employees publicly recognising Mental Health First Aiders and equality sessions
The culture review, including listening circles with staff, was particularly impactful:
“Hearing candid feedback was eye-opening, but it provided the catalyst we needed. Michelle guided us through the opportunities available, and we’ve moved forward significantly as a result.”
UK Coaching is now seen as an exemplar in the sector:
“We’re invited to speak at partner events about our inclusive recruitment strategy and DIAP development. Our DIAP consultant even highlighted UK Coaching as a leader in this space.”
What’s next?
- Expanding EDI data collection across the organisation
- Developing an inclusive recruitment strategy, ensuring hiring processes are inclusive from start to finish
UK Coaching’s journey with Inclusive Employers continues to shape their approach to inclusion, creating lasting impact across their organisation and the wider coaching community.
How Inclusive Employers Membership can support your organisations Equality, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EEDI) journey?
We understand that advocating for workplace inclusion isn’t always easy. We created the first equality and diversity Membership to empower and support organisations throughout your workplace inclusion journey.
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