Diversity and Inclusion Statement Example for Small Businesses (UK)

Why Your Brand Needs an Equality Statement (Even If You're a Team of One)

If you're a freelancer, creative, or small business owner, you might wonder whether you really need a diversity and inclusion statement. You might think that's just for corporates or companies with HR departments?

Here’s what we believe: Your values are your brand—and being inclusive is good business.

Even if your team is just you (and your cup of tea, getting stuff done), a clear, authentic inclusion statement signals safety, integrity, and respect. Not just for clients, but for collaborators, suppliers, and future team members too.

What Is a Diversity and Inclusion Statement?

A diversity and inclusion statement (also called an equality statement) is a short, public declaration of your commitment to treating all people with fairness, dignity, and respect—regardless of their identity, background, or lived experience.

It’s your way of saying: “Everyone is welcome here—and we mean it.”

What About the Equality Act 2010?

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. While there’s no legal requirement for businesses to publish an inclusion policy or statement, at Digital Shine Marketing we believe:

Having a visible commitment to inclusion isn’t a legal box to tick—it’s a moral one.

Making your stance known helps clients, customers, employees, and business partners feel accepted and safe before they even reach out.

Learn more about the Equality Act 2010 on GOV.UK

Why an Inclusion Statement Is Better Business

1. It reflects your inclusive brand values

Being values-led in business isn’t a trend—it’s how trust is built. People want to know what you stand for, and what you won’t stand for.

2. It supports ethical business practices—even for freelancers

Your statement becomes a filter. It lets people self-select in (or out). That might sound risky—but it actually saves you time, energy, and emotional labour.

3. It creates clarity and comfort

Whether you're working with clients, hiring, or collaborating, a clear diversity and inclusion statement sets the tone. It gives people permission to be themselves in your space.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement Example

From Our Free Template

Here’s a simple example from our editable statement:

“At [Your Business Name], we are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and accessible space for everyone we interact with—online or offline.”

That’s just the beginning. We’ve made it easy for you to tailor it to your business and reflect your real-life values.

Get the Free Equality & Inclusion Statement Template

You don’t have to start from scratch. Our free, editable template includes:

• An example statement you can personalise

• Inclusive language guidance for small brands

• Ethical business prompts to reflect on your approach

  
  

→ Download your free Equality Statement Template here

→ Visit our Freebies Page for more Free templates

Our Take at Digital Shine Marketing

We’re not here for tokenism. We’re here to help small businesses show up with integrity—not just for Pride Month or public image, but all year round.

In a world that has often marginalised people based on race, religion, gender, and sexuality, a clear statement can go a long way. It tells your audience: “You’re safe here. We see you. We’ve got you.”

That’s not about ticking boxes.

It’s about building a business where the right people know they’re safe, respected, and truly welcome—whether they walk through your door or land on your website.