We are excited to announce that Nexus Fostering has adopted The Halo Code

• The Halo Code focuses on hair textures and styles most commonly associated with the Black community. The term Black has historically been used as a racial and political label. Here, we use it to refer to members of the African diaspora, including those with mixed heritage, who as a result of their ancestry have Afro-textured hair.

• The Halo Code is a gender neutral policy.

• In order to embody the sprit of The Halo Code, all staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with different Afro-textured hairstyles and their cultural significance, and to avoid labelling Afro-textured hair with terms such as messy, unprofessional, or inappropriate.

• The Halo Code does not prevent workplaces from issuing additional guidance around Afro-texture hair and protective styles if applied consistently across all students and staff, including: That head wraps and scarves should reflect other elements of the uniform code such as the corporate colours. That hair be tied up for health and safety reasons, such as during physical labour or to avoid trip hazards. That hair colour is reflective of wider uniform policy.

At Nexus, our EDI and Practice Development Lead plays a key role in embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into every aspect of our work. They lead the development and implementation of EDI strategies, policies, and action plans, while delivering impactful training on topics such as anti-racism, unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive language. They support carers to confidently meet the identity and cultural needs of children, ensure that children’s voices and lived experiences actively shape service development, and help both staff and carers deepen their understanding of identity, belonging and lived experience in practice.