Developmentplus

Who we are

Working with over 250 beneficiaries a year developmentplus runs six projects including “Step to Work”, a one-to-one coaching and mentoring programme, Bridging the Gap, a Reducing Reoffending Project, Better Together, a collaboration project, a Neighbourhood Working project, Sincil STEPS and our newest homelessness advocacy support project “Project Compass”.  Our projects are supported by a team of dedicated development workers who bring an array of skills to their roles and are all passionate about supporting people from all backgrounds in moving forward with their lives.

developmentplus has 24 years' experience of working alongside disadvantaged and vulnerable people to help them identify issues which have a detrimental effect on their lives and then to develop solutions focussed pathways for moving forwards. We work alongside people in their community, facilitating their involvement in decisions that affect their lives, supporting them to identify and develop initiatives that they feel will improve their quality of life.

In most recent years, our core delivery has been based around 1-1 coaching and mentoring programmes as outlined above working with beneficiaries from a broad background including individuals with poor mental health, ex-offenders, individuals furthest from the employment market and rough sleepers.

Our culture and values

Our organisational values were developed with the support of the community we work with, and these values of being Approachable, Committed, Empathic, Inclusive, and Supportive strongly align with our equality, diversity, and inclusion commitments in the following ways:

1. Approachability and Inclusivity: Being approachable fosters an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel comfortable engaging and sharing their perspectives. This openness encourages inclusivity by making people feel welcome regardless of their background, promoting a culture of respect for all voices.
2. Empathy and Understanding: Our commitment to understanding without judgment reflects an empathetic approach that values the complexities of individuals' lives. This aspect is fundamental to EDI as it acknowledges and respects the multifaceted nature of people's experiences, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalized groups.
3. Inclusivity and Celebration of Diversity: Acknowledging and celebrating the diversity of individuals aligns with EDI commitments. By valuing and embracing unique circumstances, we create an environment where differences are not only recognised but appreciated, contributing to a more inclusive and accepting culture.
4. Support and Advocacy: Our commitment to support and encourage individuals to find their voice ties into EDI by ensuring that everyone can be heard and valued. Providing advocacy and hope, especially to those who might face barriers, promotes equal opportunities, and helps in breaking down systemic inequalities.
5. Commitment to Overcoming Obstacles Together: The commitment to standing united and overcoming obstacles together reflects a collective effort toward equity and inclusion. It signifies a dedication to addressing challenges faced by various groups collaboratively, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Developmentplus is committed to creating a truly equal and inclusive environment. The people we support are diverse individuals and so are we. We aim to recruit and retain great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger.  Our aims and policies reflect this.

We are committed to ensuring a welcome for all, and we actively seek out and promote our work to marginalised groups and community partners working with them.  We will do all we can to ensure an inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential and achieve great things, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual expression, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, national origin, disability, or age.

With 60% of staff and trustees having some form of lived experience within the areas of mental health and homelessness this provides greater empathy, compassion, and sensitivity when working with clients.  We also have two staff members that have journeyed through the organisation starting either as a client/volunteer and then into a paid role.