British Heart Foundation

Who we are

Our vision is a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.

We fund over £100 million of lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases each year. We support you when you need us most. And we campaign for a healthier world.

Our culture and values

Our ambition for our people is to build, develop and empower a talented and diverse team, succeeding together to create a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.

The power of our people will enable us to achieve more together, developing and using the unique talents of our diverse and brilliant people and unlocking new and transformative ways of working.
 

The game changing ways that’ll accelerate our people power

1.     The power of our skills

2.    The power of smarter working

3.    The power of equality, diversity and inclusion

The fantastic fundamentals that underpin our people power

1.     Keeping our people safe and healthy

2.    Inspiring our people to grow, develop and perform at their best

3.    Recognising, rewarding and inspiring our people

Our values (Brave, Informed, Compassionate and Driven) will be at the heart of what we do

BRAVE

- We speak out
- We are decisive
- We are innovative

INFORMED

- We are clear
- We are open-minded
- We work together

COMPASSIONATE

- We are open and honest
- We respect each other
- We care

DRIVEN

- We are focused
- We are determined
- We keep learning

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

BHF has a responsibility to help tackle any inequalities across all areas in which we work. That includes heart and circulatory diseases research and health, the wider charity sector, and within BHF itself.

We know a more diverse, inclusive, and fair BHF will not only improve the quality of what we do, but the impact we have

We are dedicated to making meaningful changes, ensuring that everyone - our people, supporters, volunteers, researchers, and those affected by heart and circulatory diseases - feels valued and included. We want all our colleagues, volunteers, and supporters to feel comfortable and able to bring their best selves to work.

Our EDI strategy’s objectives include evolving our mindset, practices, and accountability to create a more inclusive BHF:

- Embedding an open and inclusive culture at BHF, where everyone can feel that they belong
- Achieving equity in progression opportunities, to maximise the potential of everyone at BHF
- Expanding the diversity of BHF's trustees, committee members, colleagues and volunteer community

EDI working group

Kaleidoscope, our EDI working group, plays a crucial role in driving diversity and inclusion within the organisation. The Kaleidoscope group is made up of colleagues from across all directorates who are passionate about driving diversity and inclusion at BHF. The group meets to discuss various topics such as celebrating diversity, training opportunities, and ensuring that BHF remains a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace.

The Kaleidoscope group has been actively involved in several initiatives to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at BHF.

Employee networks

BHF have a number of colleague-run networks, providing safe spaces for people across BHF with a shared affinity to come together share experiences and provide support. These groups also facilitate listening sessions and provide valuable insights into the experiences of colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

We currently have nine employee led networks across BHF:

1. Anti-racism
2. Black
3. Disability (including Neurodiverse sub-group)
4. Gender equality (including Menopause sub-group)
5. Jewish
6. LGBTQ+
7. Muslim
8. Parents and carers
9. Vegan