Endorsements
Sir Digby Jones, Director General, CBI
"I welcome the Centre for Diversity initiative to prepare the Investor in Diversity standard. Employers are committed to equal opportunities and recognise that a diverse workforce allows businesses to draw on the one resource that in today's global economy gives sustainable competitive advantage: the skills, understanding and experience of people. This is a most worthwhile initiative"
David Frost, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce
“Thank you for your e-mail outlining the work that you are engaged in on diversity and the IiD Standard that you are developing, which we are happy to endorse. Recognising that with the current terrorist situation and the drive by government to boost the number of people with disabilities in work, your standard could be a way of helping businesses and employees to become more aware of the effects of diversity in the workplace and upon the products and services that they manufacture and deliver.”
Dave Kaye, Managing Director, London and Berkshire, First Group
As an international transport operator, First employ a highly diverse workforce and our company has always been committed to respecting and valuing that diversity.
Given this, the Investors in Diversity Standard is of great interest to us and I am pleased to confirm our commitment to achieving this standard across the Group in the UK, starting with a pilot in our East London operation.
I am personally very supportive of this initiative which I hope will both recognise our exciting good practice and help us to develop new approaches to diversity. This will help to ensure that we continue to be an employer where staff feel truly valued and, as a business, to derive maximum value from the diverse talents of our staff.
Fola Komolafe, IBM UK & Ireland, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
IBM has a history of diversity and inclusion that predates legislation. In addition to the strong business case for diversity, we promote inclusion because it is the right thing to do.
We encourage inclusive practices in all organisations and support the Centre for Diversity's objectives.
Madan Showan, Chairman, Empire Direct plc
“Empire Direct, in recent years, has been going from strength to strength. We are planning a major national expansion. Our continuing success depends on recruiting, retaining and developing the most talented people that we can.
Investors in Diversity is an excellent multi-functional talent management tool-kit which develops organisational understanding of 'people needs' (staff and customers) from different backgrounds and by doing so it can help businesses to bring out the best in their staff as well as in promoting better customer care which is crucial.
I am sure it would create positive role models within businesses and encourage staff to show initiative.
As you might expect my there are many conflicting demands on my time, but I have made time to help the ‘National Centre for Diversity' in an advisory capacity and fully endorse the 'Investors in Diversity Standard'."
Dr Neil Straker, Managing Director, The Pacific Institute, Europe
“As an organisation committed to generating hope and fulfilment throughout the world, The Pacific Institute’s work fully aligns with the philosophy of Investors in Diversity”
Julia Middleton, Chief Executive, Common Purpose, UK
Appreciation for diversity goes much deeper than just valuing different cultures and backgrounds. Leaders must value diverse ways of thinking. They need to become comfortable with the unfamiliar. They need to recognise that positive change is often initiated by people who challenge the status quo, who are not expressing the mainstream opinion. The best leaders nurture these divergent points of view, recognising their value in leading change, generating energy and inspiring new ideas. We applaud Investors in Diversity's commitment to helping more people reap the benefits of diversity.