Making Equitable Process Innovations at Alzheimer's UK: An Equity Sequence® Case Snapshot
Alzheimer’s Society, a prominent UK charity dedicated to dementia advocacy, research, and support, embarked on a transformative journey to enhance racial and ethnic inclusion in its outreach and internal processes. This case study delves into their efforts, shedding light on the challenges, motivations, and innovative solutions they implemented.
Their equity goal
Alzheimer’s Society's equity goal is to address health inequalities by reaching diverse communities, ensuring accessibility for all individuals affected by dementia. While their broader Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) mission covers a wide spectrum, this case study focuses on their specific commitment to building greater racial and ethnic inclusion.
The context
Demographic data revealed disparities in dementia-related services and research participation among Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK. Alarmingly, research indicated higher incidence rates and earlier mortality for certain ethnic groups. The charity recognized the urgency to adapt policies, approaches, and outreach strategies to address these disparities, especially with an expected doubling of dementia cases in BAME communities by 2026.
Challenges in the Charitable Sector
The UK charitable sector historically lacked racial diversity, with underrepresentation at various organizational levels. This sector-wide issue created a challenge for Alzheimer’s Society, as their conventional outreach methods were tailored to organizations mirroring their size and legal structure.
Catalyst: George Floyd Protests
The global impact of the George Floyd protests in 2020 prompted Alzheimer’s Society to reassess its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Recognizing the need for proactive change, the organization acknowledged that merely desiring diversity was insufficient without concrete actions.
Equity Sequence® Training
Alzheimer’s Society invested in Equity Sequence® training, a transformative process that encouraged self-reflection and perspective-taking. The training prompted the organization to question its existing processes and approach through the lens of entities different from their own.
External Outreach Transformation
The charity sought feedback from potential partners who had found their outreach processes challenging. This introspection led to a crucial realization – their legal-centric approach could be perceived as onerous and unfriendly by smaller, grassroots organizations. By applying the Equity Sequence® framework, they modified communication channels, engagement methods, and language to be more accessible and equitable.
Internal Hiring Innovation
Expanding their team provided an opportunity to reevaluate their recruitment process. Questioning traditional 'tick box' criteria, they sought input from their Equity Network. The team shifted focus from rigid qualifications to qualities like creativity and resourcefulness. Innovative interview requests, such as discussing creative approaches and ideas for engaging funders, led to more diverse and compelling candidate responses.
Results and Ongoing Journey
Alzheimer’s Society’s commitment to equitable processes, both externally and internally, reflects a paradigm shift. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges and the need for continuous adaptation, the organization is witnessing positive outcomes and fostering an inclusive environment.
Key Takeaways
1. Critical Self-Reflection: The Equity Sequence® training facilitated a deep examination of existing processes and inspired a commitment to equitable change.
2. External Adaptation: Modifying outreach processes based on feedback improved partnerships and inclusivity, particularly with smaller organizations.
3. Internal Innovation: Shifting from rigid criteria to assessing key qualities in hiring enhanced diversity and brought fresh perspectives to the organization.
Through intentional efforts driven by the principles of equity, Alzheimer’s Society is making strides towards its goal of inclusivity. This case study highlights the importance of continuous self-assessment and innovation in creating a more equitable and accessible environment, both internally and in external collaborations.