Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of care

By Jess McGregor, ADASS President

At ADASS, we represent leaders across adult social care who are united by a shared commitment: to enable people to live good lives, with dignity, independence, and connection — whatever their background, identity or circumstances.

Across the country, every day, adult social care supports people who bring with them a wealth of experiences, strengths and aspirations — including older people, disabled people, those living with mental ill health or long-term conditions, unpaid carers, and many others whose lives may also be shaped by inequality or exclusion.

Equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (EEDI) are not separate from this work — they are part of its foundation. Understanding people’s lives in their full complexity helps us provide care and support that is personal, respectful, and effective.

This means recognising how different aspects of identity — including race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion, class, care experience, culture — shape people’s experiences of care. It also means making sure services are safe, welcoming and responsive for everyone and are particularly thoughtful about those whose needs may have been overlooked in the past.

This is not about politics — it’s about people. We know from long experience that when we listen carefully to people’s voices, understand the barriers they face, and respond with care and curiosity, services improve and outcomes strengthen.

And there’s clear evidence that this approach works. Research shows that when people have more control over their own lives and care, their physical and mental well-being improves. The same is true for the people who work in care — when the approach is more inclusive and empowering, staff wellbeing is stronger too. This isn’t just about values or professional instinct — it’s backed by evidence, and it leads to better outcomes.

We also know that our workforce is one of our greatest strengths. Social care is powered by people from all backgrounds, communities and cultures. Supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce — where everyone feels seen, respected and able to thrive — is essential to delivering great care.

This commitment isn’t new. ADASS’s charitable purpose has long included the promotion of inclusion and the pursuit of equitable social policies. These values are woven into the fabric of our organisation — they guide how we work, who we stand alongside, and the future we’re working toward.

That’s why ADASS has recently developed an EEDI vision for the organisation as an employer, for our employees, and for our Trustees and members, to help provide the framework that should guide our work. The draft vision sets out our aims and expectations so we can create and more diverse, equal and inclusive organisation and do all we can to create social care leadership which is more aware and representative of the members and communities we serve.  While a lot of the spirit of the vision already runs through what ADASS does, the team are socialising this with some of our members, and developing an action plan to sit alongside so that it can be brought to life. It will of course be published and shared on the website once finalised, so watch this space.

Of course, conversations about these issues take different shapes in different places. But wherever we are, and whatever the local context, our commitment to fairness, respect and inclusion remains constant. It’s how we do our best work, build trust, and help ensure care and support are there for everyone who needs them — because we know that this approach isn’t just right, it works.