EDI Toolkit Bite-Sized Guides - Principle 2: Collaboration & Co-production

EDI Toolkit Bite-Sized Guides - Principle 2: Collaboration & Co-production

The Diversity Forum’s EDI toolkit supports signatories in strengthening their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts. This self-assessment tool breaks down EDI principles, helping social investment organisations select, implement, and refine impactful strategies.

Principle 2: Collaboration & Co-production  

“We build accountability through meaningful collaborations and co-production with networks and marginalised communities.”

This principle emphasises building genuine relationships with marginalised communities to foster accountability and inclusivity. The aim is to go beyond consultations by co-designing initiatives with communities, ensuring their voices influence your organisation’s EDI approach.

Key Questions to Consider:  

  • Are you actively engaging with marginalised communities as equal partners in your initiatives?

  • Have you identified relevant networks and community groups to work with, and are you building long-term, trust-based relationships?

  • Do you have mechanisms in place to ensure that collaboration is continuous and not tokenistic?

  • Are you transparent about your EDI progress with the communities you collaborate with, and do you invite their feedback regularly?

  • Do you evaluate and act on community feedback to improve your EDI strategy and initiatives?

Tips for Success:  

  • Be intentional about partnerships: Establish partnerships that bring value to both your organisation and the communities you aim to support.

  • Embed co-production: Actively involve community voices in decision-making processes, recognising them as equal stakeholders.

  • Listen and adapt: Encourage open feedback loops, genuinely listening to community insights, and adapting your strategies based on their lived experiences.

  • Maintain accountability: Regularly report back on EDI goals, including what actions have been taken based on community feedback.

Remember, effective collaboration and co-production are central to building trust and accountability in your EDI journey.

For additional support with your annual self-assessment, contact the Diversity Forum: info@diversityforum.org.uk


Ebru Buyukgul