Diversity and inclusion – our people

Diversity means all the visible and non-visible ways in which we differ.  This includes the categories protected by UK law (age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation), as well as socio-economic background and ways of thinking.

Inclusion means ensuring that everyone is welcomed, respected and valued. We want to understand the different experiences people have because of their identities and ensure that everyone is treated equitably.

The work we have done to increase diversity and inclusion at Wellcome includes:

• a reverse mentoring programme between our executive leadership team and members of staff
• unconscious bias training
• a flexible working policy to support all our staff who want or need different working patterns
• a trans inclusion policy
• publishing our gender and ethnicity pay gaps and action plans to eliminate them
• encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds by advertising all our vacancies on Evenbreak and Vercida
• being a member of the Business Disability Forum, a Disability Confident Committed employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and a signatory to the Race at Work Charter.

We have a number of staff-led networks which actively promote diversity and inclusion at Wellcome and ensure that our policies and practices reflect the lived experience of staff.

• BAME at Wellcome – promoting cultural, racial, and intersectional awareness and acceptance. The network aims to champion, inspire and support Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees to achieve their full potential. 
• Disability Interest Group – working towards achieving equality for disabled employees and those with chronic health conditions or who are neurodivergent. The network aims to create a supportive working environment and policy framework, and encourage everyone at Wellcome to understand the needs of disabled individuals. 
• Interfaith at Wellcome – making Wellcome more inclusive for employees who have a belief or faith.
• LGBTQ+ at Wellcome – creating a safe, fun, supportive and inclusive space for all LGBTQ+ employees. It looks after their needs, raises awareness and provides advisory services around LGBTQ+ issues.
• Parents and Carers at Wellcome – championing all employees with caring responsibilities. This group offers support and guidance, and helps them achieve their full potential. 
• Women of Wellcome – supporting, advocating for, and connecting women of all backgrounds at Wellcome, and raising awareness of issues they may face in the workplace and beyond. 

We are always looking to improve, so if you have a suggestion or feedback, please get in touch with us at inclusion@wellcome.org.