Celebrating Pride, Inclusion and Belonging at Moorview Care

Vikki Knibbs, Head of HR and Projects, pens her thoughts at the request of training provider 'Skills for Care':

At Moorview Care, inclusion is not just a policy; it is part of who we are.

As a family-led organisation supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability to live “Gloriously Ordinary Lives”, we are proud to create a culture where both our teams and the people we support can feel safe, respected, valued and celebrated for being the most authentic versions of themselves.

Our commitment to LGBTQIAA+ inclusion is in the bones of Moorview Care. Our policies, the way we lead, and the way we recruit, support people and communicate with the wider Moorview Care community.  

We believe that strong relationships, compassionate support and open conversations are essential to building an inclusive environment. Our teams are encouraged to learn from one another, challenge discrimination and support people to express themselves confidently.

“We strive to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and pride ourselves in leading the way to a more inclusive future.”

- Julie Wells-Colley, CEO of Moorview Care

Creating a Culture of Belonging

Moorview Care is proud to be a diverse organisation made up of people from many different backgrounds, experiences and identities.

We know inclusion is about more than policies. It is about how people feel every day. We strive to allow people to feel:

• Heard

• Represented

• Safe to be themselves

• Respected without judgment

  
  

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy reinforces our commitment to fairness and dignity for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The policy clearly outlines Moorview Care’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment, while promoting equality of opportunity for all team members and the people we support. The policy is underpinned by the work of our EDI and Dignity Champions. The Champions work together to highlight and promote messages to the team and the wider community, whilst creating a sense of community and support for each other in their group.

Supporting LGBTQIAA+ Across Our Team 

At Moorview Care, we want every member of our team to feel able to bring their ‘whole self’ to work.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion framework includes:

• Support for transgender team members during transition

• Respect for chosen names and pronouns

• Inclusive recruitment and progression opportunities

• Protection from harassment and discrimination

• Ongoing EDI learning and awareness initiatives

  
  

We recognise that using someone’s correct pronouns is a basic form of dignity and respect. Our policy encourages inclusive practices such as voluntarily sharing pronouns in email signatures and chosen pronouns highlighted in email introduction memos, to help normalise and promote choices and create safer spaces for everyone.

Importantly, we understand that inclusion is ongoing work. That is why we continue investing in awareness, education and meaningful conversations that help our teams grow together.

The People We Support 

The people we support are at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to ensuring every individual receives compassionate, person-centred support regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race, religion or background.

Our approach focuses on understanding people as individuals, not making assumptions about who they are or what matters to them.

We proudly follow the Skills for Care LGBTQ+ learning framework to strengthen understanding and awareness across our organisation.

Through initiatives like our award-winning co-production group, Moorview Matters, the people we support are empowered to shape the future of Moorview Care and ensure their voices are heard.

“Being part of Moorview Matters means our voices are heard and taken seriously. It helps people understand and support people in the right way. We’re proud to represent Moorview Care and show what people can achieve when they’re given the chance.”

- Nicola, Chair of Moorview Matters (Supported by Moorview Care)

Championing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Dignity

One of the ways we actively embed inclusion into everyday practice is through our Champion groups, most especially our EDI & Dignity Champions.

These Champions help:

• Celebrate diversity

• Raise awareness around dignity and equality

• Challenge disrespectful behaviour

• Encourage honest conversations

• Support learning across teams

• Create opportunities for representation and understanding

  
  

Our Champions are encouraged to listen when someone says, “I don’t feel represented.”

And instead of shutting down the conversation, they help create spaces for learning, reflection and positive change. They can also signpost their fellow team members to support when they feel marginalised. 

This commitment to inclusion is embedded throughout the organisation, supported by leaders who actively champion equality and diversity across Moorview Care.

We’re More Than a Workplace - We’re a Family

Moorview Care has always described itself as a family organisation at heart.

That family ethos means supporting one another, celebrating individuality and creating spaces where people feel accepted for who they are.

“Inclusivity and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.”

- Team Feedback 

We know when people feel safe, respected and empowered, they thrive, and so do the people we support.

We set out our expectations in our dedicated Culture Guide and Language Guide. These Guides are shared with our team and lay out the expectations we hold for team conduct. We make deliberate choices about language and our identity as an organisation, to continue to cultivate an inclusive, family feel. 

“An inclusive workplace culture is a culture where everyone feels valued, accepted, supported and has a sense of belonging regardless of their background, identity or circumstance.”

- Stacey Carr, Director of People & Culture

Pride Beyond a Month

While Pride Month gives us an important opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIAA+ communities, our commitment to inclusion exists all year round.

At Moorview Care, we are proud to continue building a culture where diversity is celebrated, dignity is protected, conversations are encouraged, discrimination is challenged, and everyone has the opportunity to belong.

Because being yourself should never be something you have to hide. And at Moorview Care, you never have to.