Towards Equitable Endings: The Decelerator’s Approach to Endings, Equity and Challenging Oppression
The Decelerator seeks to foster a more inclusive and equitable civil society by using endings as opportunities to redistribute power and resources, prioritising support for those most affected by systemic inequities and committing to continuous reflection to maximise positive impact. We recognise and align our practice with the Equality Act 2010 - but we also know that legislation doesn’t go far enough to address systemic inequalities and the beliefs that maintain them.
Through our work to date, we have observed how systemic inequities, such as barriers to resources and entrenched power dynamics, disproportionately burden marginalised groups and drive inequitable, crisis-based endings. However, we have also encountered examples of equitable endings where intentional, equity-focused efforts disrupted oppression and fostered positive, transformative change.
Acknowledging these patterns we are committed to working in ways that maximise the potential of equity in endings. Therefore if you are interacting with The Decelerator, we aim for your experience to be:
Understanding and Respectful: We foster open, supportive spaces that embrace mistakes as part of growth. Acknowledging the impact of judgment and bias, we strive to provide equitable, inclusive support, ensuring individuals feel safe to engage without fear of criticism or stereotypes.
Free from Shame and Blame: We reject simplistic notions of right and wrong, fostering empathy and openness to complexity.
Supportive, Not Fixing: We stand alongside individuals, listening deeply and creating opportunities for healing and equitable transformation.
Inclusive and Individualised: We tailor our support to honour each person’s unique experiences, identity, and needs.
Equitable Access: We reserve 10% of resources for those facing the greatest systemic challenges, ensuring our work reaches overlooked groups.
Respectful of Past Experiences: We approach past traumas with understanding and compassion, creating a sensitive and caring environment.
Aware of Oppression: We observe and address patterns of oppression, enabling sustainable, thoughtful solutions led by those affected.
Accountable and Responsible: We uphold shared responsibility, fostering integrity through open dialogue and principled actions.
Open to Critique: We embrace feedback and self-reflection to continuously adapt and improve our practices.
Centred on Compassion and Growth: We prioritise compassion and learning, evolving with the needs of those we support.
We hold ourselves accountable by embedding reflection, feedback, and external oversight into our work. Through regular self-assessment, professional supervision, feedback mechanisms, whistleblowing processes, and guidance from a Council of Elders, we actively evaluate and improve our practices. Every three months we stop our direct support for one month. This is dedicated time for reflection and learning as individuals and a team so rest assured your input, feedback and comments will be reflected on and incorporated into our work going forwards.
If we have fallen short of our commitments to you, or you have ideas for how we might live even more fully into our commitments, you can share it with us in the following ways:
Contact the Decelerator Navigator you spoke to and share your feedback directly.
Complete this anonymous feedback form. Responses are reviewed on a weekly basis by Sieske Valk.
In the event you have a concern, or something they would like to raise that you don't feel comfortable sharing directly with your Navigator or via the form, you should email The Decelerator's team supervisor Max St John. Max will treat whatever is shared entirely confidentially and work with you on the best course of action.
If you would like to read our full statement on endings, equity and challenging oppression, click here.