Our approach and commitments
Groundwork is a federation of independent charities, each working under a single brand to a common strategy. This strategy sets the direction, milestones and targets, which influence operational decision-making across all parts of Groundwork. You can read our strategy here.
Within this strategic framework Groundwork Trusts make their own decisions about the projects, programmes and services they develop and deliver. Groundwork UK delivers activities to support Groundwork Trusts by building brand and profile, generating income for local delivery and supporting quality and impact.
The Groundwork Membership Agreement, signed by all members of the federation, sets out the commitments and standards we will meet to ensure we are operating safely, inclusively and sustainably.
Our Commitments
Our federation strategy sets out the principles which will underpin all of our work.
- We will invest in the places and people that need us most – prioritising our resources to bring about lasting change by building skills and capacity within the local communities where we can make most difference.
- We will work with local leaders and listen to local voices – ensuring our work is shaped by those it is designed to benefit and adds value to the assets that exist in local areas.
- We will grow a culture of equity and inclusion – operating transparently and with integrity and seeking out a diversity of viewpoints, both in the work we do and the people we employ.
- We will be committed to collaboration – forging strong partnerships, contributing to a thriving community sector and helping others lead where this will achieve greater impact.
- We will act as environmental exemplars – championing practical action to combat the climate and nature emergencies and measuring and reducing our own environmental impact.
Governance
We are committed to the principles of good governance as set out in the Charity Commission Governance Code and all boards within Groundwork regularly review their performance against this standard. You can find out more about our governance structure and trustees here.
Safeguarding
As a charity dedicated to supporting people who may be vulnerable we are committed to ensuring our operations are delivered safely and that our staff, volunteers and those people we support through our projects and programmes are able to speak freely about any concerns they have. We have a Groundwork-wide commitment to effective safeguarding – including e-safety – and comprehensive complaints and whistleblowing procedures.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Our work is designed to address the needs of all sections of the community and we provide equal access to our services regardless of people’s backgrounds, circumstances or characteristics. We have national and local working groups promoting equity, diversity and inclusion across our federation and regularly gather feedback from colleagues and communities about our culture and practices to ensure they are as inclusive as possible. You can find out more about the actions we’re taking to make further progress here.
Carbon reduction
Our commitment to sustainable development is core to what we do, and we recognise the importance of leading the way in reducing our own carbon emissions and promoting greener behaviours among our staff teams. Our baseline carbon footprint for the federation has been calculated to be 2,143 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and we have set a goal of achieving net zero by 2030.