Our people policies

At Dogs Trust, it's important to us that we're open and transparent about our policies, procedures, and measures - especially where protecting people is concerned. 

Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EEDI)

We dream big when it comes to equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EEDI). We aim to be a charity that is truly inclusive, with a diverse community of colleagues, volunteers, and supporters who feel that they belong.

We are cultivating an inclusive culture that not only values the unique contributions of each person, but actively seeks to break down barriers, challenge biases, and pave the way for a more equitable and harmonious future for everyone.

Our commitment: 

We know that robust and effective EEDI practices are essential for our all our current and future employees, volunteers, and the thousands more who engage our range of services every year. We want to be an organisation that is accessible to everyone who cares about dogs and animal welfare.

We recognise that we need to do more to reach all individuals and communities and be accessible to all as a potential employer and provider of canine services and advice, as well as a commendable charity of choice to volunteer at and support.

As part of our commitment to EEDI, we have developed an EEDI policy alongside our EEDI strategy and action plan, which sets out our goals and priorities, coordinating purposeful and realistic actions that impact projects, procedures and wider policies across the entire charity.  

Overseen by senior stakeholders the strategy and action plan are continually reviewed and updated to ensure initiatives remain relevant, impactful and align to our strategic direction.

Our recent and current initiatives:

Colleague networks

In 2023 we launched several communities formed around shared characteristics or experiences. These networks are for all of our colleagues, including allies, and provide a safe and brave space for discussion and celebration of diversity.  

People-centred policies and guidance

In 2023, several new policies were developed and launched with a focus on EEDI, wellbeing and openness. These sector-leading policies put greater emphasis on the specific needs of the individual and are supporting the charity to foster a culture of trust and inclusion.

Disability Confident Employer  

We are currently working towards becoming an accredited Disability Confident Employer, helping us to think differently about disability and take action to improve how we recruit, retain and develop disabled people.    

Modern Slavery

This statement is published under the provision of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 with reference to the current financial year. Modern slavery is a hidden crime that encompasses slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking. Dogs Trust is committed to continuously improving its high standards of operation to combat slavery and human trafficking in its business and supply chain, and in acting ethically and with integrity in its business relationships. Modern slavery has no place in our organisation or supply chain, and we take a zero tolerance approach to it.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive 

Gender pay gap report

The gender pay gap is the difference between men and women's hourly earnings, expressed as a percentage of men's earnings. All organisations with more than 250 people must report their pay gaps annually, following the Equality Act 2010 (Gender pay gap information) regulations 2017. It's a separate matter to equal pay for equal work.

We were founded by a woman and one of our previous CEOs was female who ran the charity for 28 years before she retired in 2014. We are proud to have so many women working for us and do everything we can to ensure we are an equal opportunities employer.

Safeguarding

The success of Dogs Trust is driven by our team of dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers and our loyal and generous supporters. Without them, we would not succeed in our mission to rehome as many dogs as possible and never to put a healthy dog to sleep.