Belonging at BHF

Our EDI commitment

We have a responsibility to tackle inequalities in all areas of our work and are committed to being an inclusive employer for everyone. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive workplace, where diversity is celebrated, recognised and rooted into all our activities.

An important starting point is making sure BHF’s workforce reflects the general population so we can better represent the experiences and voices of the communities we support. A more diverse, inclusive and fair BHF will improve the quality of what we do and the impact we have.

We have created a strategic people plan, Our People Power, to help us all achieve more, grow further together and create a place where everyone feels they belong and can succeed.

The strategy’s objectives include evolving our mindset, practices, and accountability to create a more inclusive BHF.

• Achieve equity in progression opportunities, to maximise the potential of everyone at BHF.
• Expand the diversity of BHF’s trustees, committee members, colleagues and volunteer community.
• Embed an open and inclusive culture at BHF, where everyone can feel that they belong.

BHF is committed to being an anti-racist organisation, which you can read more about on our corporate website. This includes the principles that guide us, and the steps we’re taking to drive meaningful change.

BHF is also a member of the Business Disability Forum. This highlights our commitment to being a disability-smart business. This membership gives us access to advice and support on disability inclusion to remove barriers for employees, volunteers and supporters with disabilities.

We won the In-House Recruitment Awards for Best EDI strategy, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year at British HR Awards and HR Excellence Award - Best EDI Strategy.

We are delighted to announce that British Heart Foundation won the 2025 In-House Recruitment Awards for Best EDI strategy.

We are members of the Business Disability Forum. This highlights our commitment to being a disability-smart business.This membership gives us access to advice and support on disability inclusion to remove barriers for disabled employees, volunteers and supporters.

Our EDI progress

Our EDI activities encompass accessibility to work and progression for those with care responsibilities, working parents, those with disabilities and long-term health conditions, different age groups, those from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and many more forms of diversity, both visible and invisible.

We have made significant strides in our EDI efforts including:

• A recruitment commitment to diversity including anonymised applications and unconscious bias recruitment training for all hiring managers.
• An inclusive and supportive onboarding process for all new colleagues to be able to share any disabilities, long-term medical conditions or other support needs ahead of starting so that adjustments and equipment can be in place from day one.
• Introducing enhanced Paternity Leave and Support Leave.
• Introducing a Transitioning at Work policy.
• A Meetings Charter to establish working practices we can all commit to when working virtually and flexibly.

Our Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap Report 2025 shows a median gender pay gap of 0.0 per cent, compared to the UK average of 12.8 per cent. The charity’s median ethnicity pay gap is also 0.0 per cent.

Our EDI working group

Our EDI group plays a crucial role in driving diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

It is made up of colleagues from across all directorates who are passionate about driving diversity and inclusion at BHF and emphasise the importance of sharing personal stories and achievements related to EDI efforts to increase awareness and engagement across the organisation.

The group meets bi-monthly to discuss various topics such as celebrating diversity, training opportunities, and ensuring that BHF remains a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace.

Our employee networks

We have several employee networks (affinity groups) within the organisation. These include spaces for working parents, individuals from diverse religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and colleagues with disabilities or long-term health conditions - among others.

These are colleague-run networks, providing safe spaces for people across BHF with a shared affinity to come together share experiences and provide support. Each group is designed to ensure that every voice is heard, every experience is valued, and every colleague feels a genuine sense of belonging.

Affinity groups can help employees feel comfortable and connected and can provide opportunities for mentorship and role modelling. There are currently nine employee led networks across BHF:

• Anti-racism - Our aim is to foster a space for colleagues to share ideas and actions that BHF can take to ensure it is tackling racism within the organisation and through our work.
• Black - We consist of colleagues who are of African or Caribbean heritage working across the organisation. We welcome all those of a similar background to come join our group to discuss and drive matters affecting Black people within the UK and BHF.
• Disability (including Neurodiverse sub-group) - Our aim is to raise awareness, visibility and understanding of disability and the needs/experiences of BHF staff and volunteers who have a disability or long-term condition or those who are carers.
• Gender equality (including Menopause sub-group) - Our aim is to provide information, support, and a space for discussion on gender-related issues where all voices are equally heard and valued. We welcome all colleagues across the BHF to join us in our efforts to ensure everyone is treated fairly and has equal opportunities, regardless of gender.
• Jewish - We consist of (but are not limited to) people with Jewish heritage working across the organisation. We welcome all those of a similar background to come join our group to discuss and drive matters affecting Jewish people within the UK and BHF.
• LGBTQ+ - We are a community of people dedicated to making BHF a safe and welcoming place to work or volunteer at as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. We want to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and ensure LGBTQ+ people feel represented and valued at BHF.
• Muslim - Our mission is to ensure Muslim representation, inclusion and belonging throughout BHF and its work. We want to increase awareness and provide support to employees.
• Parents and carers - Our aim is to create a supportive, inclusive and flexible environment that focuses on empowering all expecting, new and working parents, guardians and carers, to be the best they can be, in and outside work.
• Vegan - Our mission is to be a supportive community for Vegan representation and provide information on the benefits of a lifestyle free from animal products and aid BHF in becoming a more informed and inclusive employer around veganism.

Join us

At BHF we are committed to prioritising equality, diversity and inclusion creating a fair, diverse and inclusive workplace. We will continue to shape our people practices and policies to improve EDI and ensure everyone can fulfil their full potential.

We invite you to join us in our mission to help raise funds for lifesaving research and be part of a diverse and inclusive community. Together, we can make a difference.