Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At the Devon Business & IP Centre, our ambition is to be a progressive, inspiring and inclusive charity, focused on delivering our mission to enrich lives and build thriving communities.

We want to challenge ourselves, from within our staff and communities, to consciously and persistently challenge how things have always been done and aim to ensure that we can be proud and confident when we say we are “open to all”.  

Practical examples of how we are working towards improving inclusivity for all include:

  • Ongoing collaboration with PRISM Exeter to provide support and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ people in the STEMM sector.
  • She Started It outreach campaign and start-up grants for female entrepreneurs. With help from NatWest so far we have helped 18 women start their business journey by providing up to £1k each towards coaching and business support.
  • Presenting Diversity in Business a month of programmed events with a particular focus on supporting neurodiversity and representation.
  • Our ‘Women in Business’ course, designed to support and develop female entrepreneurs and small business owners, provides tailored and specific support to encourage more women to start and grow a business in Devon.

When we talk about diversity and inclusion we want that to be across protected characteristics: these are age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.