When people feel valued, they thrive

When people feel valued, they thrive

Untapped interviewed Selina Wilson, Head of People at Nene Park Trust - the charity that manages one of the most popular outdoor recreational spaces in the East of England, to hear her views on DEI and making sure it's incorporated within the Trust's strategy.

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“Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just boxes to check - they’re essential to how we build our teams and serve our community. We believe that a diverse workforce, made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and identities, brings fresh perspectives and innovation.

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That’s why we’ve worked hard to ensure our recruitment and hiring processes are inclusive. We actively seek out talent from underrepresented groups, remove biases from our selection processes, and create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our goal is simple: to build a team that reflects the people we serve.

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We don’t believe diversity and quality are at odds - in fact, they go hand in hand. Every person brings unique experiences and perspectives that go beyond a CV. That’s why we welcome applicants from all walks of life, knowing that passion, adaptability, and lived experience can be just as valuable as traditional qualifications.

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To ensure fairness, we’ve introduced practices like anonymised application scoring and diverse interview panels. We also invest in training and development, so if a candidate has the right mindset but lacks certain skills, we provide the resources to help them grow into the role.

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Hiring diverse talent is just the beginning. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. Employees should feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, and we foster this through open conversations and employee networks.

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Our DEI working group plays a crucial role in shaping our culture, advising on policies, inclusive communication, and organising events that celebrate our differences. Ultimately, we want every employee to feel they belong - not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because when people feel valued, they thrive.”

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www.nenepark.org.uk

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