How NAVCA members can be allies in their organisations

At NAVCA, we want to support members to grow in confidence as active allies, and provide a network to talk through ideas and challenges. That’s why, earlier this year, we launched our Allyship Programme – giving members the chance to explore equity, equality, diversity and inclusion through networking, training and online resources. NAVCA members volunteer to take part, and we support participants to feel equipped to take what they learn back into their organisations and communities.

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Over the summer, we asked our first cohort of Allyship Champions to pause and reflect through a midpoint survey. The feedback was clear: the programme is helping people feel more confident in their allyship.

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“It's really making me think about how we can be better allies as an organisation, and how I can be a better ally as an individual.” - Nicole, Durham Community Action

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For many Champions, the safe space to explore challenges, ask questions and learn openly has been transformative. Respondents overwhelmingly shared that the programme boosted their confidence to act as allies, while also giving them the tools to keep learning and growing in their roles. The peer support and shared experiences have been a powerful reminder that they are not alone on this journey.

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Allyship isn’t only about individual action – it’s about building a culture of confidence, learning and collective growth across organisations and networks.

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“The allyship programme is a safe-space network which allows for friendly and informative discussion of important topics; with negative comments around EEDI being shared so frequently at the moment, it's reassuring to know that organisations across the UK are working towards being as inclusive as possible, and having this space to learn, discuss, and share is really valuable.” - Allyship Programme participant

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If you work for a NAVCA member and would like to be part of our allyship community, join a future Allyship Programme. Register your interest by emailing comms@navca.org.uk, and keep an eye on the NAVCA newsletter and social media for updates.

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