Case study:
Stakeholder engagement for improving diversity and inclusion
Stakeholder engagement for improving diversity and inclusion
Client: Historic Environment Scotland on behalf of the sector-wide Steering Group of the Improving Access project consisting of employers, development bodies, public bodies, and community groups
on behalf of the
project
Context: The historic environment Steering Group wanted to improve access to the Scottish heritage workforce for people from diverse backgrounds and understand the current barriers to securing employment and while working in the sector.
Challenge: The key challenge was creating a safe space where people could share the barriers they had experienced – emotionally charged experiences, especially for those who had been unsuccessful in securing a role. This project was done in collaboration with Amanda Heenan of Arc of Inclusion, an expert in equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our approach: We designed and facilitated online focus groups that were sensitive to the context and perspectives of the group:
- Exploratory focus groups to understand the barriers that people experience.
- Co-creation focus groups to inform recommendations and pilot testing to remove these barriers.
For both types of focus groups, we created a safe environment, made space for all voices and prioritised access needs. We encouraged participants to engage in the way that best suited them during the focus group. We also offered the option of an individual conversation with the facilitators as an alternative to a focus group.
Outcome: Participants engaged with passion and dedication, sharing freely their sometimes sensitive experiences, and collaboratively created recommendations to overcome barriers. Participants fed back their positive experience of the engagement to the client.
Impact: The co-created actionable recommendations are being taken forward by the Steering Group. We were commissioned by the client to facilitate a follow-up discussion and based on the client’s recommendation have been commissioned by another organisation in the sector.
“Amanda and Catherine designed and facilitated a series of exploration and co-design sessions with people who had successfully or unsuccessfully sought employment in the sector, as part of a project to improve access into the workforce.
What we valued about their approach was their understanding of the complexity of the topics being discussed and their emphasis on designing impactful sessions centred around psychological safety. Although focus group participants were sharing intimate and emotionally taxing experiences, Amanda and Catherine managed to create a welcoming and safe environment. Furthermore, they approached the project with flexibility and were happy to collaborate and adapt as necessary.
The findings from the conversations they facilitated and the report they produced are being used to inform the development of a pilot to move the project to a testing phase.”
Mar Roigé Oliver, Skills Development Coordinator | External Relations and Partnerships, Historic Environment Scotland