Shaping the Future of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at NRAS

28 October 2026

We have recently begun work on developing a new Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B) Strategy. This strategy project [SA1.1]will help guide how we create a more inclusive organisation and ensure our services are accessible, relevant and welcoming to everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

The project formally began with an inception and planning phase in July 2026. Since then, we have established a project framework, governance structure and programme of work that will help us better understand who we currently reach, who we may not be reaching, and how we can reduce barriers to participation and support.

Steering Group and Working Group
To support the development of the strategy, we have established two groups:

The Steering Group will provide strategic oversight and guidance throughout the project. It includes representation from across NRAS, including our CEO, a Trustee representative, employee representative, clinical representative, people with lived experience and EDI&B expertise. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has joined this group, your guidance will be an essential part of the project.

The Working Group is responsible for delivering the project day-to-day, gathering evidence, undertaking research, coordinating engagement activities and developing recommendations for the strategy.
Together, these groups will help ensure the strategy is evidence-based, co-created, informed by diverse perspectives and aligned with NRAS’s mission and values.
I’d like to thank my colleagues on the working group
• Sadé Asker – Senior Policy Officer
• Meera Chauhan – Head of Data
• Peter Higley – Finance Director
• Victoria Butler – Information Resource Manager
• Eleanor Burfitt – Marketing Manager

Listening and Learning
A key part of the project will be engagement with the people who matter most: our members, volunteers, supporters, service users, healthcare professionals and wider stakeholders.

Over the coming months, we will be gathering views through surveys, discussions, consultations and targeted engagement activities. We want to better understand the experiences of different communities affected by RA and JIA, including any barriers they face when accessing support, information and services.

We are particularly keen to hear from people whose voices are often underrepresented, helping us build a clearer picture of where inequalities may exist and how NRAS can respond.

What Happens Next?

The remainder of 2026 and early 2027 will focus on evidence gathering, data analysis and stakeholder engagement. This will be followed by the development and consultation of draft proposals before a final strategy is presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.
We currently expect the new Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B) Strategy to be finalised and approved in June 2027.
This is an important opportunity to shape the future of NRAS and ensure that everyone affected by RA and JIA feels welcome, represented, valued and able to belong. We look forward to sharing further updates and opportunities to get involved as the project progresses. If you’d like to get in touch please email edi-b@nras.org.uk