Igniting Change: Our new EDI strategy

We have launched a new equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy with the aim of igniting change for our colleagues and volunteers, the research community and for millions of people living with heart and circulatory diseases.
BHF supporter Bettina wearing a beutiful red tartan headscarf and a yellow lacy top
The EDI strategy, which details our plans to 2025, articulates our commitment to ensure equality and diversity runs through every area of its work.

The ambitious strategy is the culmination of nearly two years of progress to establish goals that the charity will endeavour to exceed in the months and years ahead.

The strategy focuses on igniting change by:

Creating an environment where everyone who works with us can succeed, regardless of their background.
Speaking out about heart health inequalities to influence change that ensures nobody receives poorer care because of who they are or where they live.
Striving for a more representative and inclusive cardiovascular research community, and by being more inclusive in how research funding decisions are made.

The strategy was created in consultation with a wide group of colleagues, including our Kaleidoscope group, which oversees diversity and inclusion, and engagement with representatives from our medical research community, patients and supporters.

The front cover of the Igniting Change strategy document

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, said: "The BHF has been tackling inequalities for over six decades but today for the first time we publish our EDI strategy to ignite change, not just for our organisation but for the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases across the UK.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, whether that is our staff, volunteers, supporters, patients or researchers, and I’m proud our people are at the heart of our strategy - both in its development and in the vision of the world we want to live in.

“By bringing together our first BHF roadmap for equality, diversity and inclusion, we hope to provide clarity on what we want to achieve, how we will measure progress and how we can hold ourselves and others to account.

“We have built a strong foundation, but we know there is still so much more to do. Now, the real work begins as we turn words on a page into action.”

Accelerating change

We have drawn upon the real-life experiences of its colleagues, volunteers, supporters, external partners, and patients to ensure it focuses on the actions that will propel the charity towards meaningful change.

Our supporter Bettina Wallace, who was consulted as part of the strategy’s development, said: "As a black, female heart patient and a passionate supporter and champion of the work of the BHF, I have held the charity to account over diversity in the past. I’m really pleased that it’s being addressed in this strategy, and I look forward to seeing progress made.

“Diversity and inclusivity are not just something that needs addressing at the BHF but across the board and there is obviously much that still needs to be done. It makes me feel good that the BHF is being so transparent and honest and admitting that it’s not perfect but it’s trying.”

The strategy sets out seven long-term objectives for accelerating change over the next three years:

Achieving fair progression opportunities for every colleague at the BHF

Increasing the diversity of the BHF’s trustees, committee members and colleagues

Embedding an open and inclusive culture at the BHF

Encouraging inclusivity in how research funding decisions are made, and how BHF funded research is designed

Achieving a more representative and inclusive cardiovascular research community

Continuously monitoring and highlighting cardiovascular inequalities to drive and influence change

Engaging and involving people in ways that are inclusive, relevant, and accessible

READ OUR FULL STRATEGY