Since 2015 the Equality and Rights Network (EaRN) has been working to bring individuals and organisations interested or working in equalities and human rights together with the public sector to promote equality in Edinburgh. EaRN is a network of members who are given the opportunity to engage with and be consulted on developments and reviews in services, policies and practices. Our aim is to make sure your voice is heard.

EaRN is hosted by Volunteer Edinburgh and managed by two part-time staff. The network is funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian.

Our network members are at the heart of what we do. Together we aim to provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to learn, share, network and influence those with the power to make decisions. Our focus is making sure that your voice is heard.

Membership is open to organisations working in equalities related fields, and individuals who can join in either a professional or personal capacity. By joining as a member you will join over 180 like-minded individuals and organisations and together we can work towards advancing equality, promoting human rights and tackling inequality and poverty in Edinburgh.

Our work encompasses a huge variety of projects, events and activities, all with the same focus of making your voice heard when it comes to Equality and Human Rights in Edinburgh. We organise regular events and workshops for network members to inform, engage with the public sector and share experiences and best practice. We provide training, workshops and facilitated discussion sessions for community groups, charities and volunteers.

We are also continuing to develop the successful Voices of Edinburgh project. This is a photo and audio exhibition where we ask people in Edinburgh ‘What does equality mean to you?’ and record the responses in photo and podcasts.

We couldn’t do anything without the support of our team of volunteers. Our volunteers do a variety of roles from representing EaRN at meetings, helping in the office with admin and communications, helping organise events and helping to deliver workshops in the community.

We recruit volunteers with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, but all of whom are committed to our core aims and values.

We have various different volunteer roles, and welcome volunteers with a particular interest or focus and would like to pursue individual projects with our support.