As we look back on our third full year of operation in our latest annual report and accounts, it’s inspiring to see how Diversity Role Models has grown. When I founded the charity in 2011, I was the only employee. We finished August 2014 with six fantastically talented staff members, 200 inspirational role models and countless valued supporters.

Thanks to this army of dedicated individuals, we achieved more than ever in 2013/14. We ran workshops in schools from Devon to Edinburgh, teaching young people to understand and respect each other’s differences and helping to stop homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying before it starts.

We delivered a total of 335 workshops in 55 schools, reaching 7,664 students, which is more than in our first two years combined. And we know from student and teacher evaluations that this work had a valuable impact on improving young people’s perceptions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. As a result of our workshops:

  • 96% of students say they will treat LGBT students better;
  • 94% of students say they will use the word ‘gay’ less in a derogatory way.

One of the biggest highlights in 2013/14 was the launch of our first regional hub in Liverpool. This geographic expansion is at the heart of our strategy for the next three years. I’m very proud of everything that Diversity Role Models has accomplished, but I know that there are many more young people up and down the UK who could benefit from our work.

I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us to come this far. Whether you are a donor, role model, patron, trustee or supporting us in some other way, your contribution has been invaluable. And together I know we’ll support even more young people in the future!

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2014