THE LACE FRAMEWORK
A simple, practical way to build inclusive cultures, products, and services
Introduction
The LACE Framework provides a clear, practical, and participatory approach for developing and embedding inclusion and belonging into organisational culture; and also for designing products and services. It is a highly versatile framework that can be readily applied in organisations and teams of any size, in any sector, anywhere in the world.
Developed through years of hands-on leadership experience — including award-winning inclusion work in the UK charity sector and central government — the LACE framework turns the complex challenge of building lasting inclusive cultures (products and services) into simple elements that everyone can effectively use.
Practical and actionable — not just theory
Quantifiable & measurable results
Flexible for any organisation size or sector
Backed by award-winning extensive expertise
Framework Overview
LEARN
Build deep knowledge and understanding of your people, products, services, processes – and the true state inclusion in your organisation, and the lived realities of underrepresented groups. This includes collecting and sharing robust data as well as creating spaces for genuine conversations about lived experiences.
ACT
Move from insight to tangible, ongoing action. Every employee — not just leaders. DEI or HR specialists — takes responsibility for making meaningful changes in behaviours, processes, systems, and daily practices
CELEBRATE
Recognise progress, acknowledge improvement, and create positive momentum. Celebration sustains engagement, reduces resistance, and embeds inclusion as a shared value rather than indifferent compliance.
The Five Grid Matrix
To make implementation practical, the LACE Framework is supported by a detailed Five-Grid Matrix. This expands Learning and Action into clear sub-categories, providing a structured yet flexible roadmap:
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Learning: Data & Information + Shared Lived Experiences
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Action: Employee Actions + Leadership Actions
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Celebration: Progress, events, symbols & representation, cultural engagement, etc
The LACE Framework is not strictly linear. Mature organisations can implement all elements simultaneously, while those at the early stage often start with a stronger focus on Learning before expanding into Action and Celebration. A complete feedback loop ensures each element informs and strengthens the others. However, in product/service design, the framework is applied linearly.
Combines data-driven insights with human connection and positive reinforcement
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Makes inclusion everyone’s responsibility rather than a top-down initiative
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Avoids common pitfalls such as performative actions, resistance, or short-term projects that fade away
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Get your copy of the book today.
The book Learn. Act. Celebrate provides a detailed description of the LACE framework and a practical guide for anyone looking to embed lasting inclusion and belonging in any organisation. The book is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book.
