Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy
At Ardent, we believe diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to building fairer, more responsible and more effective organisations.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone we work with feels respected, valued and able to thrive. This means actively challenging inequality, addressing bias in our decisions, and ensuring our work, partnerships and practices reflect our commitment to equity.
Ardent is a purpose-driven impact consultancy built on the belief that diversity drives progress. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation in any form.
Our commitment applies across all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, including age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, and marriage or civil partnership. We also recognise neurodivergence and the wider systemic barriers people may face.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever needed to remove barriers and support equitable access to opportunities.
Our Commitment
We embed DEI across our work by:
building a diverse network of collaborators, partners and freelancers
creating fair, accessible and inclusive opportunities to work with us
proactively reaching beyond our immediate networks
using inclusive language, imagery and storytelling
challenging harmful narratives, stereotypes and tokenism
encouraging clients to embed DEI into their own practices
prioritising values-aligned and diverse-owned businesses where possible
continuing to learn, reflect and improve our own approach
How We Put This Into Practice
Anyone working with Ardent, including collaborators, partners, suppliers or clients, is encouraged to raise concerns about discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour with a member of the leadership team or the agreed project contact.
Concerns can also be raised by emailing . Where possible, please include:
what happened
when and where it took place
who was involved (if comfortable sharing)
any relevant context or supporting information
All concerns will be taken seriously, handled sensitively and kept confidential wherever possible. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
All information shared will be handled in line with applicable data protection and confidentiality obligations.
Reporting Concerns
We aim to work with organisations that share our values. We are selective about the clients, partners and suppliers we collaborate with, and we avoid work that contributes to harm or reinforces inequality.
Where concerns arise, we will respond with care, accountability and proportionate action. This may include addressing behaviour directly or ending a partnership, project or contract.
Working With Clients, Partners and Suppliers
As a small consultancy collective, we take a reflective and qualitative approach to monitoring our DEI commitments. This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with our values.
We assess our progress through reflection on our client work, feedback from collaborators and partners, ongoing learning, and evolving best practice.
Monitoring and Review
Inclusion is not a checklist. It is a continuous practice.
At Ardent, we are committed to leading with intention, listening deeply and evolving through the work we do, the clients we support and the voices we amplify.
For questions or feedback about this policy, please contact a member of the Ardent leadership team.