“At YMCA Trinity Group we believe that Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is not something that can be done passively, but something we must be active about. It’s not good enough to say we’re not racist or sexist, but we must work to demonstrate we are anti-racist or anti-sexist.
This is in keeping with the values of the YMCA movement held over 175 years. We listen to others lived experiences, respecting their personal journey, empathising with their choices whilst believing in their potential.” – Jonathan Martin, CEO.
“I’ve worked in supported accommodation for over 23 years, and I’ve been part of the YMCA Trinity Group housing team for the past three years, starting as an Accommodation Project Worker and progressing through the roles of Deputy Manager, Accommodation Manager, Registered Service Manager, and now Area Accommodation Manager. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and feeling truly supported.
As someone who is neurodivergent, navigating the workplace can sometimes come with unique challenges. But what’s made a real difference is the support I’ve received from everyone but in particular — from the Head of Accommodation, the Head of Safeguarding, and our HR team. I’ve been given reasonable adjustments that help me work in ways that suit my strengths, and I’ve always felt included, respected, and valued as part of the team. It’s taken me some time to accept that my autism is a part of who I am — and I’ve found that it can be a huge asset in my role. My ability to hyperfocus means I can deep-dive into tasks and learn quickly, but also share my learning with others, which has really helped me in progressing through different levels of responsibility.
Autism looks different for every person, and for me, it’s been about finding where my strengths lie and being in a workplace that allows me to use them. It means so much to me to be part of an organisation that champions equality, diversity and inclusion — not just on paper, but in everyday practice. I’m also proud to be part of our Inclusion Group, where I can help ensure, everyone feels seen and represented, just as I have.”
Rob J Durrant-CuffeAccommodation Area Manager
Please scroll down the page to see some of the measures we are putting into place.
Claire’s Story
Claire works in a senior position in one of our childcare settings. Claire started her level 7 apprenticeship in December 2025, studying Early Years Strategic Management.
Claire explained ‘I love to learn. I left school without qualifications and as I’ve got older I’ve understood myself more and how I learn. As an adult I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, but I believe this should not hold you back. I’ve gone on to complete my GCSEs, my Early Years qualifications from level 2, level 3, a foundation degree, my full BA Hons Degree and now my level 7.’
Claire is passionate about helping others, she says of supporting apprentice’s in her settings ‘I find it rewarding to see how people change and grow. I have catch ups with all of the staff so I know what they need and how to support them. I help them believe in themselves.’
Claire says the level 7 apprenticeship ‘caught her eye’ because ‘I like a challenge and I push myself to be the best I can be. Early Years is my passion and I want to develop myself as a manager and be the best leader I can be.’
Our childcare teams make an amazing difference to the families and children we work in partnership with. We’re so pleased to be able to support our Early Years team to develop in this way, Claire’s commitment to her professional development is truly inspiring.
Our Commitment
For our teams we will ensure our policies and procedures are truly inclusive and work to ensure our environment is a place where everyone can thrive. We have improved data collation and reporting and are using this to inform our recruitment, development and celebration activities.
We will also:
- be more vocal in our advocacy for marginalised communities, ensuring they are not just welcomed but invited, and that our public messaging reflects this.
- foster a culture of accountability, calling out exclusion and discrimination, and ensure safety and protection for all those we work with and whom we serve.
- continue to talk openly about issues of gender, sexuality, race, diversity with our young people. We will allow a safe space and promote a culture of acceptance and community, encouraging critical thinking and open conversations that young people may not feel able to have at home.
Best Practice Guide
YMCA Trinity Group has committed to the YMCA England and Wales Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Good Practice Guide. Recommended by the Inclusion Working Group, the Board agreed the guide will steer Trinity Group’s commitment to continual improvement in equality and inclusion for our staff, volunteers and client groups.
Welcoming people from all backgrounds has been a core part of YMCA work since it’s inception in 1844 and remains a priority for us today.
View a summary of the guide: ymca-edi-best-practice-summary
To see the mission and values of YMCA Trinity Group – Our Mission & Values – YMCA
To see our impact – Community impact Our Impact – YMCA
Meet our Trustees – Trustees – Our Trustees – YMCA
LGBTQIA+
We celebrate Pride month in June, and YMCA Trinity Group is proud to support diversity and inclusion, from the colleagues we work alongside to the young people we support in the communities we serve.
