The Smallpeice Trust - Case Study 

Overview

In 2024, The Smallpeice Trust partnered with Strawberry Words to undertake a 12-month Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consultancy. The goal was to support the organisation in creating a safer, more inclusive workplace aligned with its values, while strengthening its ability to serve young people from all backgrounds in STEM.

Approach

The project began with a detailed DEI Gap Analysis, which included document reviews, staff surveys (with an impressive 89% completion rate), and leadership interviews. This was followed by a series of in-person training sessions on cultural humility, antiracism, and sexual harassment, with online options provided for flexibility. Participants also received reflective learner journals to deepen personal growth.

In parallel, Strawberry Words supported the creation of a DEI Working Group and provided strategic recommendations to guide systemic change. The consultancy was delivered with sensitivity, compassion, and challenge, tailored to the organisation’s stage of DEI readiness.

Key Outcomes

• Cultural Shift: DEI is now routinely discussed across leadership and staff meetings, with more open conversations emerging around bias, inclusion, and belonging.
• Capacity Building: Over six tailored training sessions, staff reported increased confidence in recognising and addressing bias, using inclusive language, and reflecting on personal identity and privilege.
• Structural Change: Recruitment materials were revised to remove exclusionary language and a blind recruitment approach was piloted. Policy documents were updated to reflect equitable rather than purely equal practices.
• DEI Working Group: A dedicated internal group has been established, helping lead the work forward with clarity and accountability.

One staff member shared,

“I now look at everything, even food choices, through a DEI lens.”

Leadership echoed this transformation, noting that “uncomfortable conversations are no longer being dismissed” and that DEI has moved from theory into practice.

Looking Ahead

With support from Strawberry Words, The Smallpeice Trust has moved from being classified as “Inactive” under the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmark (GDEIB) to nearly qualifying as “Proactive.” The Trust is now well-positioned to embed a long-term DEI strategy and maintain the momentum it has built.

Conclusion

This partnership has shown what’s possible when DEI work is approached with honesty, collaboration, and a deep commitment to growth. From organisational policy to personal transformation, The Smallpeice Trust is laying the foundations for lasting impact, not just for staff, but for the next generation of diverse STEM leaders.