Improving Diversity Practice

There are a number of effective ways in which organisations can improve their diversity performance and increase the business benefits, including:

Research

Finding out what different groups of staff feel about their working environment and career prospects, and identifying areas of dissatisfaction, through research amongst diversity groups. This is best done via interviews or focus groups where the interviewer is independent from the organisation and mirrors the identity of the respondent.

Flexible recruitment policies and flexible working

Exploring alternatives to contemporary competency based assessment processes which may exclude talented people from diverse groups. Encouraging managers to embrace positive and flexible attitudes to work/life balance issues.

Leadership

Engaging leaders and opinion formers from all levels of the organisation to shape and promote the diversity agenda.

Training

Providing awareness training on cultural differences for employees, using methods that make both an intellectual and emotional impact.

Understand cultural practices

Taking into account the different cultural practices in relation to work that different BAME communities may have. Addressing the beneficial impact these might have on core work activities as well any difficulties they might create.

Increase supply chain diversity

Enabling small businesses, which are often BAME or women-owned, to tender for contracts, for example by breaking up large contracts and providing training on tendering requirements and good practice.

Work with trade unions

Encouraging managers to seek early feedback from these representatives on issues that arise at the workplace, so that they can be dealt with before problems arise.

Build community relationships

Encouraging employee engagement in voluntary projects with deprived communities. This has a dual benefit for the employer. It raises staff awareness about diversity, and the beneficiaries of the project can see the benefits of working for an inclusive employer, encouraging them to consider applying for future posts.

Diversity champions

Encouraging senior managers to commit to being 'Diversity Champions', and provide coaching and development to help them be highly influential role models.