The Hate Maturity Model is a framework. It is the framework. It is, to our knowledge, the only framework of its kind. We have developed it in-house, refined it through three iterations, and applied it consistently to our own work. It has, we believe, produced consistent results.
The Model measures the maturity of an organisation's commitment to the principles articulated by Hate Matters. It is intended to be applied by organisations to themselves. It is also intended to be applied by Hate Matters to other organisations. We have, to date, primarily applied it in the latter mode. Other organisations have not, to date, applied it in either.
The organisation has not yet considered the principles articulated by Hate Matters. It is therefore at Level 1. We do not consider this a criticism. We consider it a starting point. Most organisations begin here.
The organisation has been informed of the principles articulated by Hate Matters. Awareness is typically achieved by receipt of correspondence from us. The organisation may have replied; the organisation may not have replied. Either response is consistent with Level 2.
The organisation has acknowledged the principles articulated by Hate Matters in writing. The acknowledgement need not be substantive. A standard reply citing receipt is sufficient. Most organisations that reach Level 2 do not progress to Level 3. We are working on this.
The organisation has begun to act, in some respect, in a manner consistent with the principles articulated by Hate Matters. Alignment may be partial. Alignment need not be self-described. We have identified a small number of organisations operating at Level 4. We have informed them of this assessment. They have, to date, not commented.
The organisation has formally adopted the principles articulated by Hate Matters as a matter of organisational policy. To date, one organisation has reached Level 5: Hate Matters. We acknowledge this is a small sample. We expect the sample to grow.
The Model is to be applied as follows. The applying body should:
We have, in our application of the Model, completed all five steps for one hundred and twenty-three organisations. The register is available internally. Selected entries appear in our publication Who We Are Up Against.
The Model has been criticised on several grounds. We address each below.
"The Model has only been applied by the body that wrote it." Correct. This is a feature of new frameworks. We are confident this will change.
"Level 5 is defined in such a way that only Hate Matters can occupy it." The definition of Level 5 — formal adoption of the principles articulated by Hate Matters as a matter of organisational policy — is the appropriate definition. We have considered alternative definitions. We have not, on review, identified a superior one.
"The Model assumes its own conclusions." We have considered this objection. We note its philosophical weight. We have, on consideration, retained the Model. We invite the objector to develop an alternative framework. None has, to date, been submitted.
Version 4 of the Model is in development. The principal change anticipated for v4 is the addition of a Level 6 ("Exemplary"), to be defined and occupied at a later stage.
Footnote 1: Versions 1 and 2 of the Model are available on request. The principal differences between v1, v2, and v3 are matters of formatting and the addition, in v3, of this Limitations section.
Footnote 2: The Model has been described internally as "circular". We have considered this description. We have, on consideration, not adopted it.