Diversity Role Models

Who we are

We are a registered charity established in 2011. We actively seek to embed inclusion and empathy in the next generation. Our vision is a world where everyone embraces diversity and can thrive. We strive to create an education system in which every young person will know they are valued and supported, whoever they are.

OUR CHARITABLE OBJECTS

1. Eliminating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in educational institutions.
2. Advancing education and raising awareness in equality, diversity, and inclusion.
3. Promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.

OUR STRATEGY

We work in primary and secondary schools and colleges to create an inclusive culture that educates students to tackle bullying. Our primary delivery method revolves around Role Model storytelling. Each workshop features at least one volunteer Role Model who shares their personal lived experience as part of the educational session. Diversity Role Models has support from over 450 volunteer role models and 36 classroom Facilitators. We strive to ensure every student feels welcome at our workshops, which are designed to be developmentally appropriate and cover a range of topics including families, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, stereotypes, discrimination, and bullying. Our blended learning model, both online and in the classroom, aims to provide safe spaces where students can explore difference and consider their role in creating a world where everyone feels accepted. To promote sustained change we supplement student workshops with training for staff, governors, and parents/carers.

Over the past decade, Diversity Role Models has worked with over 200,000 students and over 24,000 staff, governors and parents/carers. 

OUR ORGANISATION

In addition to the over 450 volunteer Role Models and 36 classroom Facilitators, Diversity Role Models currently has a professional staff of 12, supported by a Board of Directors (also known as Trustees) who help shape, manage, and deliver our mission. We are a community of independent thinkers and doers, connected by our core values and our drive to create a world which embraces diversity and lets everyone thrive. Our values shape what we do and how we do it.

Our culture and values

We include everyone (inclusive)  

by bringing diverse people together (collaborative) 

and encouraging them to understand difference (inspiring)  

while giving them the support (empowering)  

to be part of a movement to create inclusive environments (impactful)