We’re launching a our first equality, inclusion and diversity strategy

Parkinson’s doesn’t discriminate, but someone’s experience with the condition is affected by factors outside of their control. Where you live, your income, race, ethnicity and gender can all play a role in what support and services you can access. That shouldn’t be the case. That’s why we’ve put together our first equality, diversity and inclusion strategy. 

We know this is just the beginning of our equality, diversity and inclusion journey. We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but this strategy is our commitment to helping to provide everyone affected by Parkinson’s in the UK with equal access to the opportunities and support they need. 

Having the biggest impact for our community

The overall goal of our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy is to understand and address the needs of the whole Parkinson’s community. To help us reach this goal, we’ve split the strategy into 3 main ambitions, each contributing to Parkinson’s UK representing more of the community.

Our 3 equality, diversity and inclusion ambitions

Although we recognise there are lots of ways our community faces inequality and exclusion, we chose to focus on 3 main ambitions over the next few years. These ambitions are built around the areas we believe will tackle some of the biggest inequalities facing the community:

1. Engage people from all socioeconomic backgrounds

We want the Parkinson’s community to have access to the support they need regardless of their education, income or job. 

2. Race equality in research and support

We want the demographic of people accessing our services and involved with our research to represent the demographic of people living with Parkinson’s, their family, friends and carers.

3. Attract, develop and progress our diverse talent

We want the demographics of our staff and volunteers to reflect the demographics of the UK. We’ll particularly focus on representing people with Parkinson’s and other disabilities, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. We also want everyone at Parkinson’s UK to understand their role in making sure it’s an inclusive and supportive place to work.

We all have a role to play

The strategy has clear aims and timelines so that we can be held accountable by our colleagues, peers and community. 

Parkinson’s UK exists for everyone in the Parkinson’s community and we all have a role to play in this vitally important work.