EDI resource hub

In January 2022, we published our EDI Guiding Principles, which set out a framework for everyone acting for and on behalf of STEP. The aim is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background or personal circumstance, feels valued and included. 

In line with this, we have developed a series of guides setting out eight inclusive behaviours. For each behaviour you can read the PDF guide and/or watch the video. By engaging with these guides and adopting these behaviours, you will help maintain a culture that allows each person, whatever their involvement with STEP, to thrive and contribute to their full potential.

Succession Planning

Effective succession planning helps attract and retain diverse committee members. Our ambition is for members from all backgrounds and of all identities to see and feel that their branch is a place for them. The composition of the branch committee is an obvious starting point, as that will be many members’ first interaction with their local branch.

It is important that branches follow our EDI principles when seeking new committee members - to be brave and invite in others who are not necessarily the same. All members have something to contribute and we can all learn from each other. With that in mind, recruitment should be based on merit, encouraging people to be themselves rather than following a particular model or automatically replacing like for like when a committee member steps down. Term limits must be adhered to, allowing new members to join and bring fresh perspectives and experiences.

A list of things to consider when you are starting to think about succession planning can be found on the Branch Portal and in the Branch Handbook on the STEP website.

Event Planning

Making events as inclusive as possible will appeal to a broader audience when factors such as accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and diverse speaker panel are considered.

The following resources will help you when planning your events. This guidance is relevant for all types of events; from branch committee meetings to two-day regional conferences.

  • Good Practice Framework for STEP conferences

This Good Practice Framework provides a checklist of issues to consider when planning major events and includes things to consider from an EDI perspective. It has been developed by the Conferences Committee, a subcommittee of the worldwide Board. Best practice around EDI (PDF)

  • Speaker Search

A database of members who have registered their interest in speaking at events. https://www.step.org/speaker-search

***Access to the database is limited to branch committee members***

Notable dates around the STEP world

STEP is a global body with a diverse membership base. Please do refer to this diary when setting dates for your events and meetings. While we diligently research and update these, some of the information above may be incorrect or there are dates that are not recognised so if you find something that needs amending or dates adding, please do let us know by emailing Hannah.Maloney@step.org