Dartington Service Design Lab

Who we are

To make society work better for children and young people we need to shift the underlying conditions that hold them back from thriving. We need preventative systemic approaches rather than reactive solutions to the symptoms of deeper underlying issues.

At Dartington Service Design Lab, we’re working for a future where people, communities and services work together to shape effective systems that give all children and young people a fair chance to grow up happy, safe, healthy and thriving. To do that, we use the power of evidence, experience and service design to tackle complex challenges for and with children and young people.

We think change is possible when all of these elements are considered together and that policies, services or interventions designed with consideration of rigorous evidence, the experience of children and families using those services and the wider systems and context are most likely to succeed.

Our culture and values

With our focus on addressing root drivers, we pride ourselves on creating a deep and nuanced understanding about what really matters to children and young people. We forge new relationships and bring together different forms of evidence and insight to collaboratively design a better future in a way that shifts mindsets and redistributes power.

We are particularly focused on viewing this work through an anti-racist lens and ensuring that systemic change efforts are equitable and inclusive. This means recognising that the burden of the challenges facing children and young people falls unequally in our society, with the poorest and those from racially and ethnically minoritised backgrounds, amongst those bearing the heaviest loads.

We are constantly learning - and sharing that learning. We believe in iteration, adaptation and experimentation to create a network of efforts that work together to change the systems around children and young people. 

And by demonstrating what is possible and building confidence over time, we incorporate these new ways of thinking and working into civic and public service architecture, so that change is sustained over the long-term.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Dartington Service Design Lab (Lab) believes in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our organisation. 

As an employer we aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and to promote good relations between different groups. 

We recognise that certain individuals and groups of people can experience significant disadvantage in society, including:

• Minority Ethnic communities

• Women (including pregnant women and nursing mothers)

• Disabled people

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning/queer, intersex, Asexual people, or other sexualities, sexes and genders (LGBTQIA+) 

• Older people, children and young people

• Religious and belief groups

And that people can be disadvantaged because of their marital or civil partnership status. 

As an employer, we will ensure that: 

• Employees do not discriminate against anyone, or influence another employee to discriminate, tolerate or condone discriminatory practices, harass or abuse other employees or members of the public; 

• We provide a safe, supportive and accessible working environment free from harassment and discrimination for existing and potential employees where individuals’ values, beliefs, identities and cultures are respected; 

• We will develop inclusive initiatives to redress imbalances in our workforce at all levels, through recruitment, career development and training, and strong community links. 

It is the responsibility of every individual member of staff to uphold these values and act accordingly. We expect our staff to be treated with the same respect and dignity that we offer our supporters, funders and stakeholders.