Our Values

At Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, our values shape how we work every day.

They guide how we support people, how we work with partners, and how we respond to the challenges people face. They reflect the experience we want everyone to have when they come into contact with us.

Dignity

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness, no matter their circumstances. We work to end stigma and offer support that builds confidence, independence, and self-worth. We want people to feel seen, valued, and treated with dignity every time they come into contact with DF4TA. We do this by working alongside people, not doing things to or for them—listening, encouraging, and helping them take the lead in their own lives.

Compassion

Every person’s story matters no matter what the circumstances. We meet people where they are—listening without judgement, offering practical support, and encouraging them through both progress and setbacks. We stay accountable, transparent, and dependable, doing what we say we’ll do and keeping our focus on what will help in the long run.

Partnership

DF4TA builds trusted partnerships with local charities and community groups, public services, businesses, and funders who help us reach further and do more. These relationships are grounded in shared purpose, mutual respect, and a belief that collaboration leads to stronger and more resilient communities.

Championing

We stand up for people’s rights and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, whilst encouraging people to take ownership of their own journey. We challenge the root causes of poverty and inequality, including the need for system change. We support our partners to better understand the issues people face—so that together, we can inspire action and drive change that lasts.

Resourcefulness

In times of chaos or trauma, we help people create stable ground - focusing on the simple, practical things that make a real difference. We believe in making the most of what we have. We reduce waste by reusing, repurposing, and sharing resources—and we approach challenges with creativity, adaptability, and care.

Putting our values into action

Our values are not just statements—they are part of how we work every day.

You’ll see them in the way our volunteers welcome people, how our team responds to challenges, and how we work alongside partners across the city. We regularly share real examples of these values in action to show what this looks like in practice.