Forward is committed to operating in a safe and inclusive environment that provides equal access to services and opportunities − and supports individuals to learn and grow.
Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) enable colleagues to:
Share and discuss diverse lived experiences
Identify and provide insight into barriers to inclusion.
Support Forward in developing practical, creative, inclusive, and workable solutions to empower everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves.
Employee Resource Groups are open to all staff at The Forward Trust. We strongly encourage allies to take an active role in our ERGs, helping us build an environment of diversity, equality, and inclusion.
Race Forward − A safe space for staff of different racial and cultural backgrounds to voice concerns, champion achievements and share lived experience of Black and Minority Ethnic people within the organisation.
Proud − Proud is a space for staff to discuss issues facing the LGBTQ+ community at Forward and share resources and knowledge with the wider organisation. You do not need to identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community to join this group.
ForWomen − A group who aim to provide a voice for anyone at Forward who identifies as a woman. We work to encourage colleagues to understand the needs of women within our workforce.
Embrace − Supporting our employees with disability, mental health issues, and neurodiversity to achieve their full potential and encouraging colleagues to understand their needs within the community.
Lived Experience of the Criminal Justice System − A safe space for staff who have experience of the Criminal Justice System to voice concerns, champion achievements, and share their lived experiences with others within the organisation.
The Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), in collaboration with the EDI team, help staff and clients celebrate important awareness days. These events include key annual dates like Pride, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, World Mental Health Day, and Mental Health Awareness Week. The purpose of these events is to raise awareness and celebrate.
In addition, ERGs and the EDI team regularly host online EDI and wellbeing sessions that are open to all staff. These sessions provide opportunities for staff to learn from experts and share their own experiences, creating an inclusive space for personal growth and community engagement.
Some Key Achievements:
For Women were involved in the development of Forward's Domestic Violence Strategy.
Race Forward hosted an in-person Black History Month celebration.
Embrace host a regular 'coffee and colouring' session to support employee mental health.
Proud shared the experiences of transgender people in custody for Transgender Awareness Month.
Lived Experience in Action hosted a panel discussion about life after offending.
ERG members have also supported the wider EDI work plan in the following ways:
Sitting on an EDI interview panel for trustees.
Providing consultation for changes to process/procedures (for example staff self-identification options, volunteer recruitment policies).
Delivering neurodiversity training for colleagues.
ERG Impact Report Summary (2024-2025)
