Launch announcement: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Collective
We are excited to announce the launch of our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Collective – a staff-led initiative to promote and embed the principles and practices of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in Rocket Science internal operations and through our work with clients and partners. We’re building a dedicated space for critical reflection, honest dialogue and continuous learning among Rocket Scientists – all oriented towards meaningful collective action.
Why are we doing it?
As a social research, evaluation and grant-making organisation, we are deeply aware of the influence we hold. We understand that the choices we make have real-world implications for the communities we work with. These include decisions about:
- Which questions we ask in research and evaluation
- Who we consult and involve in our work, and how
- How we generate, analyse and (re)present data
- Where and how funding is distributed
We also recognise that these choices are influenced by our individual and collective perspectives, which are themselves shaped by our social identities, lived experiences, and positions within systems of power and privilege. Reflexivity is therefore essential. Our sector does not yet represent the full diversity of the communities it serves, while our team brings a wide range of lived experiences. This means we must continually reflect on how our perspectives influence our work, and how we can use this awareness to challenge bias and improve practice.
At the same time, we acknowledge the extractive history of our sector and the ways in which these dynamics still influence practice today. We are committed to challenging this legacy by grounding our work in reciprocity, transparency and accountability.
That’s why we are making justice, equity, diversity and inclusion an intentional focus across all areas of our work. Our collective is committed to simultaneously advancing JEDI principles and practices on two fronts – through the work we do with communities, and in how Rocket Science functions as an organisation.
The JEDI Collective will:
- Advance our mission to tackle inequalities and enable everyone to live healthy, fulfilling and happy lives.
- Enhance the quality and integrity of research, evaluation and grant-making by centring diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
- Foster an inclusive culture by encouraging staff-driven change, cultivating an increased sense of belonging among Rocket Scientists.
- Encourage continuous learning and development among colleagues through critical reflection, dialogue and knowledge-sharing.
- Strengthen and deepen our JEDI commitments by embedding principles that align with sector trajectories and client priorities, while helping to shape best practice.
We know we don’t have all the answers – and we don’t expect this group to solve everything overnight. Nevertheless, we see the JEDI Collective as a meaningful step that Rocket Science can take towards becoming a more reflexive organisation and thereby contributing to sector-wide JEDI conversations. In doing so, we are committed to learning from others, holding ourselves accountable, and being honest about the complexity of this work.
What will the JEDI Collective do?
While the collective’s specific aims, objectives and priorities will be co-produced by members over the coming weeks, we anticipate that the group’s high-level activities will involve:
- Auditing and improving internal organisational policies, processes and practices through a JEDI lens.
e.g. Reviewing recruitment and progression pathways; assessing accessibility of internal systems; strengthening partner and supplier JEDI standards.
- Championing and embedding the application of JEDI principles in research, evaluation, learning and grant-making activities.
e.g. Building participatory approaches into project design; developing best practice guidance and toolkits to maximise inclusivity and accessibility of fieldwork; embedding equitable grant-making criteria and processes. - Advising on JEDI-related initiatives and decisions.
e.g. Reviewing proposals, project methodologies and deliverables; advising on partnerships and collaborations; providing guidance and feedback on organisational strategy
- Promoting awareness, learning and embodiment of JEDI principles among colleagues across the organisation.
e.g. Hosting themed learning sessions; curating and sharing practical JEDI resources; facilitating reflective practice workshops.
What’s next?
Over the next few weeks, the collective will co-develop a mission statement, establish our aims and objectives, and identify initial priorities and activities. We’ll also agree how we want to work together, ensuring reflection, learning and accountability are central to our approach. We’ll share updates along the way including what we’re learning, any challenges we encounter, and how this work is shaping our practice.
We recognise that advancing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion is bigger than any one organisation, and that meaningful progress requires coordinated effort across organisations and communities. We are committed to playing our part in this wider movement – driving change through shared learning, mutual support and collaboration with others working to towards these goals. If you’re on a similar journey, or simply curious about ours, please do reach out. Whether it’s exchanging ideas, resources or learning, comparing approaches, or exploring collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s strengthen this community of practice together!
A blog by Ciaran McDonald, Senior Consultant and Founder-convenor, Rocket Science JEDI Collective.
