Inclusion and Diversity

Firstport celebrates achieving its Investors in Diversity Accreditation for a further two years

We are delighted to reveal that the National Centre for Diversity (NCD) have reaccredited us as an Investor in Diversity for Small Charities.

The NCD’s Small Charities Award is a framework designed to help charities review their current Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement (FREDIE) practices and to help plan further development in those areas.

The thorough assessment process included an online diagnostic survey sent to Firstport staff, as well as external stakeholders. The results were mapped out against the Investors in Diversity Standards to create a report and ultimately, a decision on whether the accreditation was to be awarded.

As an organisation, we have increased our commitment to putting diversity and inclusion at the forefront of our work.

Since our last Investors in Diversity Small Charities accreditation in 2023, we established a refreshed Diversity & Inclusion framework. Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have been an organisational priority since 2020, and we have made significant progress across recruitment, communication, and training. The new framework takes the work of the early days and pulls it together into a holistic, structured, and thoughtful approach.

Last year, together with Social Investment Scotland (SIS) and Dechomai, we published The Access Report, unveiling the key barriers preventing ethnic minority social entrepreneurs in Scotland from accessing social investment. Based on the report’s findings and recommendations, we made pledges and commitments, which we have been working on for the last year.

And earlier this year, we joined the Pathways Pledge, an initiative that aims to support women and underrepresented founders in Scotland.

The results of the NCD’s accreditation demonstrate that Firstport has continued to work hard towards putting diversity at the heart of what we do. Despite the progress, we know there are still improvements to be made, and as advised by the NCD, we will up our commitment to embedding FREDIE practices across our organisation. Currently, we are working on creating an EDI resource portal for our staff, including a FREDIE training resource. Since our accreditation, we also completed Unintentional Discrimination training with Equaliteach.

Jacky Tjivikua, Co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion group and Relationship Manager at Firstport said:

“Receiving this reaccreditation from the National Centre for Diversity reaffirms our commitment to building an inclusive, respectful, and empowering environment — not just within our organisation, but for the social entrepreneurs we support. This process allows us to reflect, grow, and ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into every aspect of our programmes. For our team, it’s about continuous learning and accountability. For the people and communities we serve, it’s about trust, representation, and opportunity.”

At the end of 2024, we were also found to be the 45^th most inclusive employer reviewed by the National Centre for Diversity.

Solat Chaudhry, Chief Executive at the NCD said:  

“I send my warmest congratulations to Firstport on successfully reaching number 45 in the Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Employers Index 2024.  The inspiring organisations that make the Top 100, demonstrate excellent levels of employee retention and recruitment and clearly demonstrate how they value and respect the people that work for them. What better than to be recognised by peers and those travelling in the same direction towards the common goal of Fairness in the workplace. It is hugely motivational.”