Discover how allyship fosters inclusive leadership in adult social care. Explore practical strategies and real-world insights to support equality and belonging in your service.
Allyship is about the actions and behaviours we do to support and advocate for others and is a critical skill that shapes a truly inclusive and equitable workplace.
Allyship is an active, ongoing commitment to support equity, inclusion, and justice in the workplace. It’s about doing the work, not just saying the words.
When embraced by everyone in an organisation, allyship fosters a culture where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute fully.
Allyship isn't just about supporting marginalised groups, it benefits the whole organisation. It drives fairness, collaboration, and stronger team dynamics by creating space for all voices to be heard.
Allyship looks like...
- Actively supporting others
Stand up for individuals or groups facing bullying, exclusion, discrimination, oppression or marginalisation. Be the voice that backs theirs when they are unheard.
- Actively listening and learn
Listen to learn, empathise and understand, not just to respond. Engage with different perspectives and stay open to learning, even (and especially) when it’s uncomfortable.
- Actively using your influence
Use your influence and leverage to advocate for fair treatment, representation, and inclusion.
- Actively commiting
Allyship is a journey, not a one-time action. Commit to self-reflection, challenge your own biases, and take visible steps to support others.
Allyship creates impact
When embedded strategically, allyship transforms workplace culture, building bridges where there were once barriers.
- it helps dismantle systemic barriers and unconscious biases.
- it empowers diverse voices and perspectives.
- it creates workplaces where people thrive, not just survive.
Become an active ally
These two steps can help you to start small and build your impact over time.
- Connect with curiosity
Invite a colleague from your team for a virtual or in-person coffee. Use the time to get to know them beyond the job title. Building personal connections fosters inclusion.
- Practice present listening
At your next meeting, challenge yourself to really listen. Afterward, paraphrase the key points discussed, this practice helps ensure voices are heard and valued.
A blog from Chikere Igbokwe
Explore the 12 actions of allyship outlined in a blog written by inclusion advocate Chikere Igbokwe.
True allyship requires intentional and consistent actions, empathy, self-reflection, and a commitment to change. By embracing anti-racist allyship in the workplace, we can contribute to creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
Chikere Igbokwe.
Inclusion advocate