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Creating an inclusive, respectful environment is essential in charity retail, for the people who walk through our doors and for the staff and volunteers who make shops thrive. Yet many teams tell us they’re unsure how to approach conversations about EDI, or how to respond when something doesn’t feel right.

Whether it’s navigating unintentional bias, supporting volunteers from different backgrounds, or stepping in when a comment doesn’t sit right, these moments can feel daunting without the right tools.

Why EDI Matters

Charity shops are community spaces bringing together people of all backgrounds and identities. That has always been one of our sector’s greatest strengths and the sector thrives when everyone can feel safe.

Organisations have a legal responsibility to prevent discrimination, harassment, and victimisation across protected characteristics. For shop teams that means understanding what inclusive behaviour looks like day-to-day and knowing how to act when something crosses the line.

Equity Can’t Wait

Avoiding these conversations can allow issues to grow. Addressing them early and with confidence helps to create a culture where everyone feels valued. EDI is good for business, and EDI is everyone’s business.

Our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 30-minute click‑through course has been designed specifically for charity retail. The course is suitable for staff and volunteers at all levels, including Managers, Team Leads and Trustees who want to strengthen their understanding and practice of inclusion. No prior EDI training is required.

What the course explores

• Have a good foundation of knowledge and awareness of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
• Understand why EDI is important
• Understand how EDI may relate to the work you do
• Be more aware of your own and others’ unconscious bias
• Understand the role of active allyship

To learn more, check out the full course page and sign up now. If you want to strengthen your team culture and ensure your shops are welcoming to everyone, this course is a great place to start.

Already a CRL Subscriber? All new and future online courses are already available as part of your yearly package! Sign-in and start the course straight away at no extra cost.

For more information on Charity Retail Learning subscriptions and courses, click here