Lancashire care homes achieve ISO for diversity and inclusion

Lovett care homes across Lancashire have achieved the internationally recognised ISO30415 human resources accreditation in diversity and inclusion.

A globally recognised standard in human resources focussed on the importance of diversity and inclusion within the workplace, certification provides organisations with a framework to highlight and develop inclusive practices, broaden their talent pool, embrace different perspectives and create an environment where people feel valued and able to contribute.

Rigorous independent assessment carried out over a two month period resulted in the prestigious accreditation; recognising Lovett’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace with kindness and integrity at its core and where all employees are able to thrive and give their best.

Going beyond policies and procedures on paper, the detailed assessment required extensive evidence to demonstrate how diversity and inclusion are managed across all areas of the organisation.

The assessment team explored diversity and inclusion in person with teams across the care homes, interviewing employees about their personal feelings and day-to-day experiences working for Lovett Care.

With close to 2,400 colleagues across the group, the accreditation is an important milestone in Lovett’s ongoing people strategy.

Head of human resources at Lovett Care, Helen Brown, led the assessment process. She said: “We are thrilled to have achieved ISO30415 in diversity and inclusion; a standard that demonstrates that our commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality is embedded across everything that we do and not simply reflected in written policies.

“Our employee team is one of our most important assets. When the assessor fed back to me using two words to describe them – kindness and integrity – I could not have been prouder. Achieving the ISO is a great milestone, but it is also so much more than a certificate, it is recognition of the culture we are working hard to create and the experience that our colleagues have every day.

“I am incredibly proud to have led this work on behalf of Lovett Care and proud of the teams across our care homes who demonstrated that diversity and inclusion are not just words on a policy, they are reflected in how we work together, how we treat one another and the communities that we have created within our homes, communities where individuals from all backgrounds are respected, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.”

ISO30415 is valid for three years, with annual assessments taking place to ensure Lovett Care continues to meet the required standards and continues to evolve.