Dartington Service Design Lab

Who we are

The Dartington Service Design Lab is an independent research charity, committed to improving outcomes for children and young people by improving the systems and services that support them. We apply research and best evidence to everyday practice and balance this with the involvement of those people using and delivering services.

We believe it is critical to situate services in the context of the complex and messy systems in which they are delivered – be these public agencies or local communities. The Lab works with charities, local authorities, and funders to help them strengthen the design and delivery of what they do, and their understanding of how to further improve.

Our culture and values

We work at the intersection of evidence-informed practice and user-centred design. We have deep respect for both evidence and the experience and expertise of practitioners, young people and families. We think public systems and services can be more impactful when they are considered together.

We also work at the intersection of public system reform and service design and improvement. System change efforts that lose sight of the services children and families use will have limited impact. Conversely, services designed without consideration of wider system conditions are unlikely to succeed. So we think systems change and service design should go hand-in-hand.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Dartington Service Design Lab (Lab) believes in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our organisation. 

As an employer we aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and to promote good relations between different groups. 

We recognise that certain individuals and groups of people can experience significant disadvantage in society, including:

• Minority Ethnic communities

• Women (including pregnant women and nursing mothers)

• Disabled people

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning/queer, intersex, Asexual people, or other sexualities, sexes and genders (LGBTQIA+) 

• Older people, children and young people

• Religious and belief groups

And that people can be disadvantaged because of their marital or civil partnership status. 

As an employer, we will ensure that: 

• Employees do not discriminate against anyone, or influence another employee to discriminate, tolerate or condone discriminatory practices, harass or abuse other employees or members of the public; 

• We provide a safe, supportive and accessible working environment free from harassment and discrimination for existing and potential employees where individuals’ values, beliefs, identities and cultures are respected; 

• We will develop inclusive initiatives to redress imbalances in our workforce at all levels, through recruitment, career development and training, and strong community links. 

It is the responsibility of every individual member of staff to uphold these values and act accordingly. We expect our staff to be treated with the same respect and dignity that we offer our supporters, funders and stakeholders.