GatenbySanderson pioneer diversity and inclusion to find and develop leaders that shape a better society.   

To build greater representation across public services, we believe we should lead the way through our own culture and community. As One GS, we commit to D&I permeating our entire organisation for the benefit of our people, our candidates and clients. 

Organisations that embrace diversity at all levels perform better; they’re more profitable, more resilient and our employees experience higher job satisfaction and productivity as a result. 

Appointments we placed this year

Of the senior Executive and Non-Executive appointments we place each year:

19%

are of Black, Asian and other minority ethnicities

6%

are from the LGBTQ+ community

51%

are women

9%

have a disability

67%

didn't attend or were first generation to attend university

130+

diverse leaders appointed every year

Figures based on those that chose to answer.

One GS

To build greater diversity across public services, we must lead the way through our own culture and community. As One GS, we are committed to D&I permeating our entire organisation for the benefit of our people, our candidates and clients.

73% women14% ethnically diverse11% LGBQ+ community27% have a disability50% executive team women54% first generation to attend university40% have school-age or under school-age children12% have caring responsibilities beyond children

Our commitments

We recognise that greater progress is needed. We believe in action and not just words, underpinned by our values of Collaboration, Curiosity and most importantly, Courage.

These are our commitments:

  1. Increase recruitment of under-represented groups across all levels.
  2. Employ and champion diversity of thought.
  3. Identify and remove barriers and bias from our processes.
  4. Equip, empower, and embed our employee Affinity Groups.
  5. Increase confidence and knowledge through training and open discussions.
  6. Ensure all employees can thrive in their career pathways.
  7. Collaborate with diverse networks to strengthen our reach.

Above all else, nourish a sense of belonging, so that all employees feel valued, respected, and embraced, and able to take that into their work with clients, candidates and delegates.

Meet our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager

A headshot of employee, Jade Beckles, the GatenbySanderson Diversity and Inclusion advisor, smiling to camera

Meeting these commitments is something we all take responsibility for at GatenbySanderson. However, having expert advice and guidance from our in-house D&I Advisor, Jade Beckles, helps hold us to account, reduce bias and innovate how we do this.

As a member of both the Strategy & Marketing and HR teams, Jade provides D&I advice to ensure maximum influence both internally and externally. Jade works closely with the Senior Leadership team to ensure that GatenbySanderson is leading the way in driving innovative and disruptive thought leadership on D&I.

Jade has a wealth of experience and knowledge, having worked in the D&I space for many years. She is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace culture and has a track record of delivering impactful D&I initiatives.

“I strongly believe that there is power in Diversity and Inclusion. D&I does not start and end with work-related actions; it’s a way of life that we should all embrace. Our actions, as individuals and organisations, have a ripple effect that resonates throughout society, igniting systemic change that has the power to transform, and save lives. This is why I am passionate about promoting D&I as a profound life principle. At GatenbySanderson we are living D&I, not performing it, and through this influence across the public sector we can create a society where everyone feels embraced, is valued and able to thrive, not in spite but because of our differences”.

Jade was a Police Detective for 16 years, specialising in vulnerable persons and D&I across the public sector. She has also provided D&I consultation to various private organisations, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to employee well-being, addressing racial disparities, and calling for systemic change.

She is the founder and Chair of an Unincorporated Charitable Association that supports mothers from ethnic minority backgrounds, and challenges insufficient representation within maternity support and services.

Jade is also a Volunteer for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) and founded an application scheme across several Police forces to facilitate joining the Stem Cell Register, enabling people to possibly become someone’s last chance at survival. Jade’s long contributions to the ACLT were recognised when she received ‘Volunteer of the Year’, and a Chief Constable’s Commendation.

Creating an inclusive culture

Agile
Working

Agile contracts for all enable everyone to work anytime, anyplace, anywhere

We build our working lives around our own wellbeing as well as caring, culture and faith commitments

We make adjustments for disabilities and medical conditions

Career
Pathways

We actively seek employees from all industries and sectors, supporting transitions at any stage of your career

We offer Educational Sponsorships, Apprenticeships and mentorship to support further learning and qualifications

We have structured Academy and career development plans with promotion panels at least twice a year

Wellbeing
& Benefits

Our benefits are tailored around financial, emotional and physical wellbeing and reviewed annually to remain competitive

Everyone at GS contributes to communities, charities, and organisations we care deeply about

We actively nurture and protect our culture and monitor our employee satisfaction scores for areas to improve

Morals
& Values

We acknowledge our own privilege, participating in awareness training on topics such as antiracism, transgender awareness, and menopause at work

We take our own initiative to make sure we’re aware of antiracism and discrimination in society

We hold ourselves and colleagues to account by having courageous conversations

Our Affinity Groups

We have four very active affinity groups, creating community, opening conversations, and delivering learning across the business. These groups, Women’sDisabilityRace and LGBTQ+ provide a forum for employees to connect with others who share similar experiences, to support.

Headshot of, Harriett, Chair of Women's affinity group at GatenbySanderson, smiling to camera

Women’s
Affinity Group

“The Women’s’ Affinity Group has enabled me to feel more connected with people across the business, in advocating for other women, and building awareness towards a variety of issues that affect us all”.

Harriet Blundell
Womens’ Affinity Group Chair
Headshot of, Alison, Chair of Disability affinity group at GatenbySanderson, looking off camera

Disability
Affinity Group

“As Chair of the Disability Affinity Group our aim is to provide a safe space to discuss, support and increase awareness of disability, building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves”.

Alison Elton
Disability Affinity Group Chair
Headshot of, Alex, Co-Chair of the Race affinity group at GatenbySanderson, smiling to camera

Race
Affinity Group

“Our Race Affinity Group fosters a culture of diversity, racial equity, and inclusion. We are proud of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter and the Halo Code and will continue to empower and celebrate our diverse communities.”

Alex Williams
Race Affinity Group Co-Chair
Headshot of, Katherine, Chair of LGBTQ+ affinity group at GatenbySanderson, smiling to camera

LGBTQ+
Affinity Group

“It’s a privilege as a bisexual individual to be part of the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, working to give others the visibility, support, and confidence that they can be their true selves 100% of the time rather than solely outside the workplace”.

Katherine O’Donnell
LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Chair

Our Corporate Social Responsibility

We take our role in the wider community seriously and know that’s it’s not just about doing no harm but being courageous to do the right thing. At GatenbySanderson we stand up for social issues, actively reduce our environmental impact and give back to ours and other’s communities whilst raising vital funds for charities across the UK.

Through our large CSR community we work increase our social impact through four sub-groups:

Want to join us?

Looking for a career with more purpose? Keen to make a bigger contribution while working in a forward thinking, inclusive environment that’s growing consistently? And where agile working really means just that?

In 2023, we need a further 50 key recruits to deliver our ambitious growth plans – taking us to a 230+ strong team who will build upon our success and world class customer satisfaction scores as well as hold on to our unique culture.

Our partners

Inclusive employers logoInvestors in people Gold standard logoDisability confident committed logoFTSE women leaders logoMHFA england logowomen on boards logoLeonard Cheshire logoMental Health at work commitment logoTech london advocates women in tech logoHalo Hair Code LogoRace at Work Charter Logobusiness disability forum partner - GatenbySanderson

News & Views

Aspiring DCS programme: free webinars for aspiring leaders in children’s services

GatenbySanderson Seacole NHS NED role report dr melanie west

Report: Understanding Representation and Retention in NHS NED Roles

Geraldine Parker-Smith NHSBT photo on colourful background with workds Black History Month next to her image

Each One, Reach One: Geraldine Parker-Smith of NHSBT on how inclusive partnerships save lives

Photo of Dame Donna Kinnair for GatenbySanderson Leadership Lens interview

Professor Dame Donna Kinnair on building health equity through leadership

Naser Turabi Black History Month

Naser Turabi, Director of Evidence and Implementation at CRUK on health inequalities

Claudette Elliott, NHS NED photo for Black History Month interview with GatenbySanderson

Claudette Elliott, NHS Non-Executive Director on heart and mental health disparities in the Black community

Beverley De-Gale and Orin Lewis from ACLT: the importance of diverse stem cell donors

Webinar discussion: why are there so few Black professors, and what can we do about it?