Integrity
We act with honesty and fairness in all we do. We keep our promises, follow through on commitments and take pride in being a trusted, independent presence in rural Derbyshire. We speak up for rural communities and use evidence, experience and local knowledge to guide our work.
Respect
We listen carefully and value lived experience. We recognise the strength, resilience and resourcefulness that exist within rural communities, and we take people seriously as experts in their own lives. We approach our work without judgement and make space for voices that are too often unheard.
Collaboration
We know that rural challenges are best met together. We work side by side with local people, voluntary groups, statutory bodies, funders and partners to find solutions that make sense for rural places and the people who call them home. We use our independence to connect people, build trust, and help partnerships work well for communities.
Empowerment
We support rural communities to help themselves. Our role is to build confidence, skills, knowledge and opportunity so that people can shape their own futures. We focus on strengthening local voice and capacity, standing alongside communities as they lead change in ways that are right for them
What we do
These values are not just statements, they are a practical guide for how we work and
how we make decisions
We use them to:
- Shape our services and projects – checking that what we design and deliver reflects rural realities and supports local strengths.
- Guide partnerships and funding – working with partners and funders we trust, who respect communities and share our values.
- Support our advocacy and voice – helping us speak up clearly and credibly about rural issues, especially where disadvantage is hidden or easily missed.
- Provide a consistent way of working – giving staff and trustees a shared point for everyday choices, behaviours and priorities.
- Help us review what we do – asking regularly whether our work is still aligned with our purpose and values and being willing to change course if it isn’t.
In short, our values help us stay grounded, trusted and effective.
As well as our project work…
RAD is part of a number of partnerships and represents the Voluntary Sector on a number of networks to help promote the wonderful work of the sector throughout Derbyshire and to ensure the large rural parts of Derbyshire have a voice.
If you have a question or query about RAD and its work…
Our values guide the choices we make every day. They shape how we design and deliver our work, making sure rural communities are always considered. They help us build trusted partnerships, use funding responsibly and speak up clearly about rural issues.
Our values give staff and trustees a shared way of working and a simple check that what we do stays true to our purpose.
