Green Light Ventures Diversity and Inclusion Policy

At Green Light Ventures (GLV), we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment that celebrates diversity. GLV’s core values of inclusivity, respect, and fairness drive our practices both in the UK and abroad. We understand that sustainable tourism should actively address historical and systemic inequalities and should work to empower and uplift communities. Our anti-racism commitment details more about what this means for us.

GLV does not discriminate on any grounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. We strive to offer ventures that respect and incorporate diverse perspectives and backgrounds. In this policy, we outline our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable environment for our team, participants, and partner communities.

1. Commitment to Fairness and Equity

  • Fair Employment and Local Partnerships: GLV is dedicated to supporting fair wages and fair treatment for all individuals we hire and partner with in Tanzania. Remuneration is based on experience and qualifications, and we prioritise hiring Tanzanians for all positions that can be locally filled.

2. Accessibility and Inclusion in Ventures

  • Reasonable Adjustments for Participants: GLV is dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals with disabilities and neurodiverse participants. We proactively gather participants' medical and support needs during the registration process to discuss any adaptations we can provide.

  • Suitability of Ventures: While we endeavour to be inclusive, our ventures may be physically and mentally demanding, and participants are advised to review the consent form carefully. We aim to set realistic expectations so all participants can fully understand the requirements of our ventures and make an informed decision about their suitability. Sadly, due to the nature of some of our ventures, they may not be suitable for all participants, but we are committed to exploring all possible adjustments.

3. Anti-discrimination and Safe Spaces

GLV is committed to creating a safe and open environment where all team members and participants feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Discrimination and harassment have no place within GLV, and we encourage individuals to voice any issues they experience or witness. Concerns will be handled sensitively and on a case-by-case basis, reinforcing our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination.

4. Free Placement for Underrepresented Students

In line with our commitment to inclusivity, GLV offers at least one optional free placement for groups with 15 or more participants. This placement aims to provide opportunities for students who might not otherwise be able to join the venture. Schools and youth groups are entrusted with the decision to nominate a student they believe would benefit most from this opportunity, and they may choose students based on their criteria, such as those from low-income backgrounds. The group/school’s decision will then be discussed with the GLV Leadership team to assess whether this individual meets GLV’s criteria.

6. Cultural Respect and Sensitivity

Respect for local customs, culture, and communities is a cornerstone of GLV’s approach to travel. All participants receive guidance both before and during the venture on the expectations of cultural respect, as well as strategies for responsible and culturally sensitive interactions. GLV provides this guidance to ensure that participants approach the experience with openness, respect, and a willingness to learn from others.

7. Continuous Improvement and Accountability

  • Annual Review and Updates: GLV commits to an annual review of this diversity and inclusion policy to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. The policy will also be reviewed following any significant changes in our organisational structure, such as an expansion of our team.

  • Participant Feedback: GLV includes questions related to diversity, inclusion, and overall experience in the post-venture review. Feedback is invaluable for our continuous improvement and enables us to make adjustments to our policies and practices as needed.

8. Public Commitment and Transparency

GLV proudly makes this Diversity and Inclusion Policy publicly available as a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and respect. We believe that an open commitment reinforces our accountability and attracts participants who share our values.