Derbyshire Support & Facilities Services (DSFS) is proud to announce that the organisation has been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity (NCfD).

The recognition follows a detailed assessment involving diagnostic surveys, interviews, focus groups and an extensive review of DSFS policies, culture and FREDIE‑aligned practices. The accreditation is valid for 24 months from December 2025.

Over the last two years, DSFS has completed a significant body of work to embed Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement (FREDIE) into its culture — through The DSFS Way, new leadership programmes, a refreshed Inclusion Pledge, enhanced EDI and wellbeing support, and expanded communication and engagement activities.

The assessment highlights strong improvements in staff awareness, behaviours and understanding of FREDIE, including:

• 71% awareness of plans to improve FREDIE (up 32% from 2023)
• 83% encouraged to consider FREDIE daily (up 15%)
• 75% say managers make clear their commitment to FREDIE (up 18%)
• 64% see fairness across the organisation (up 5%)
• 73% have FREDIE objectives within appraisals (up 18%)

These improvements reflect the collective efforts of colleagues, managers and leaders across all DSFS services.

Natalie Younes, Interim Managing Director of DSFS, said: “Achieving the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation is a testament to the commitment, honesty and passion of our colleagues across DSFS. The assessment recognises the significant progress we have made over the last two years — from strengthening The DSFS Way to enhancing our Inclusion Pledge, expanding our leadership development programme and improving the support we provide for wellbeing and mental health.”

“What I am most proud of is that these improvements are visible in our own staff survey results. Colleagues have told us they feel more informed, more supported, and more encouraged to bring FREDIE principles into their daily work. This accreditation is a milestone, but it is also a motivator — we will continue building a workplace where fairness, respect and inclusion are not just ambitions but everyday experiences.”

Holly Fogden, Assistant Director of HR & OD, added: “We are absolutely delighted to achieve Silver. This assessment was incredibly thorough — over 200 survey responses, 12 staff interviews, focus groups and a full review of our policies and frameworks. The findings show clear progress in awareness, behaviour, training, mental health support, inclusion and leadership commitment.”

“The report also gives us helpful recommendations, and we welcome them. We know there is more to do around behaviours, representation, EDI data and reducing negative experiences. Our colleagues’ voices have shaped our action plan so far, and they will continue to shape what we do next.”

“This accreditation reflects the collective effort of so many people across DSFS. Thank you to every colleague who took part in surveys, interviews, training or improvement work — your openness and feedback have helped us take a major step forward in creating a truly inclusive culture.”

DSFS thanks all colleagues who contributed to the surveys, interviews, focus groups, policy reviews, wellbeing initiatives and culture‑building activities that shaped the assessment.