our workplace
culture
An inclusive working environment
A place where you can make a difference
Our workplace culture is shaped by our mission – to create a world fit for every child. Everything we do, and how we work together, is guided by this purpose.
We are committed to building a welcoming, inclusive and supportive place to work. We challenge racism, discrimination and unfair systems and we are working towards long-term change, through our diversity and inclusion strategy.
Our Shared Commitment
Our Shared Commitment sets out the values that guide how we treat each other and how we show up every day.
What our values look like:
We put children first in everything that we do. What that looks like:
- We are clear on how our work makes a difference to children, and agree parameters and guidelines for actions and decisions.
- We regularly monitor our results and review how we work to ensure we’re focused on having the greatest impact on children.
- We challenge constructively when we have concerns or think there could be a better way.
- We carefully balance the need for quality and the need for urgency to ensure the greatest impact on children.
We work from an evidence-based solution-focused approach. What that looks like:
- We openly share our thoughts, ideas and know-how.
- We take time to properly understand a problem/opportunity before considering solutions.
- We step out of our comfort zone to explore what’s possible.
- We actively listen to others’ contributions and build on their ideas.
We take time to build trust and take care to treat others with respect. What that looks like:
- We take time to understand other people’s priorities and ways of working and agree how we can work best together.
- We are kind and respectful in our decisions and communications.
- We actively listen to ensure we fully understand what others mean.
- We make time and space to have the difficult conversations, well.
We embrace diversity and take pro-active steps to be inclusive. What that looks like:
- We appreciate our colleagues as people.
- We value and recognise each other’s opinions, strengths and preferred ways of working.
- We seek diverse perspectives to enrich our thinking and provide better outcomes.
- We call out any form of discrimination or misuse of power that we witness or experience.
We constantly seek ways to work together better to increase our impact on children. What that looks like:
- We seek insight from others on who best to involve, how and when, to optimise results.
- We respect people’s time and expertise when involving others.
- We readily contribute our own thoughts.
- We invite and are open to others’ opinions, ideas and feedback.
We care about each other, our well-being and our development. What that looks like:
- We actively listen to people when making decisions that affect them.
- We regularly check in with each other and offer support where we can.
- We admit it when we need help, and kindly encourage others to do so.
- We support each other to help each of us realise our potential.
Staff Association and Networks
The Staff Association and Our Staff Networks play an important role in making UNICEF UK a great place to work. They offer support, share experiences and help shape a more inclusive culture.
- The Staff Association is an independent advocate for colleagues. It forms a channel between colleagues and the leadership, representing their views and addressing workplace concerns. It also provides guidance and support for colleagues facing challenges.
- The Disability Network raises awareness, advocates for colleagues with disabilities, and offers guidance and resources across UNICEF UK. We champion inclusive practice, share learning opportunities, and promote events that help build a workplace and community where disabled colleagues and allies feel heard, represented and supported.
- The LGBTQIA+ Network is a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies. It advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community; promotes learning, celebration and community; encourages positive conversation; and helps foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, represented and welcomed. All that we do is in the spirit of “being excellent to each other”.
- The Gender Network creates safe spaces to discuss gender-related issues and champions action to remove barriers for people of all gender identities. Through events, campaigns and policy insight, it works to support gender equity at UNICEF UK.
- The Racial Justice Network is a space for colleagues at UNICEF UK to connect, reflect, and find community. We centre lived experience, encourage open and honest conversations, and work towards practical actions that support racial justice and a fairer workplace.
- The Green Group brings colleagues together to build environmental awareness and positive social change, equipping colleagues with sustainability knowledge and practical ways of working to share across the organisation, while creating strategies and roadmaps for a responsible workplace and future.
How we work together
As colleagues, we:
- Value each other as human beings and treat one another fairly, with kindness and respect
- Make decisions based on how we can do our best work for children
- Create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves, and support everyone to share their successes, challenges, ideas and concerns
- Celebrate diversity and value others’ opinions, experience, skills and expertise
- Invest resources in supporting fair personal and professional development
- Take pride in what we achieve together and support each other to be our best selves
- Keep our promises by putting our values into action
Training and development
We invest in our people. Colleagues have access to regular training, coaching and mentoring, as well as funding for external learning.
Learning sessions include topics such as sustainability, resilience, menopause, mental health, managing conflict, and prioritisation. These run regularly throughout the year.
Learning opportunities are open to everyone, whatever their role, because we believe everyone has talent and potential.
