Diversity Statement
What we believe
MDS UK believes in a world of opportunity and inclusion where everyone can thrive in every aspect of their lives. We aim to make that happen throughout our organisation and our networks. We want every part of MDS UK to be a place where everyone feels accepted, respected, valued, and heard - whether they are staff, volunteers, supporters, or the people we assist.
We recognise that we are all different. We have different world views, backgrounds, family structures and relationships. We come from different geographical places, have different sexual and gender identities and different religions, faith, and belief systems. These differences can be obvious, but some can’t be seen. Diversity is about positively valuing these differences.
How diversity and inclusion affect us
MDS UK understands that positively valuing diversity and inclusion make organisations better; helping us to learn, innovate and deliver benefits for the people we employ, the people who volunteer for us and those we’re here to help. We strive to value and harness diversity in everything we do, including making our services inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Diversity in health matters!
We want to advocate and lobby on behalf of everyone with MDS and CMML, ensuring all are eligible for the most effective treatments options available without discrimination or bias. We know that minorities have been underrepresented in the past and we would like to redress the balance.
To do this effectively, we need to know more about our members and so we may ask you questions about your ethnicity, age, sexuality, gender or previous medical treatments and conditions. You always have the option not to share this information with us, and we respect your right to privacy on these topics. If you do share this data with us, rest assured it will be treated with the respect and sensitivity it deserves.
What we won’t tolerate
There is no place for discrimination or exclusion within our charity. We will not tolerate discrimination from our members, staff, volunteers, or fundraisers. We invite anyone who has experienced or witnessed discrimination within MDS UK to flag this up in confidence, and we promise to investigate and take appropriate action.