Why?
Why should organisations become an 'Investor in Diversity’ organisation? The number of people in employment has increased but there are significant skill shortages in key sectors. Also, demographic trends mean the available labour pool is reducing. People are living longer so the ageism of the past is no longer economically viable. The available workforce available in Britain is diverse.
By diversifying the workforce companies extend themselves to a broader customer and supplier base. People from diverse background bring innovation that could give the organisation the edge in the business world. Race Equality and diversity enhances business and value. Diverse organisations are more successful because they are much more in touch with the current world. Corporations can no longer ignore their corporate social responsibility with the communities where they are based and which they serve. Diversity is a key policy directive and funding requirement for some organisations, especially in the third sector. There is also the legal obligation and liability for failure to deliver to consider.
It is evident there is an absolute economic as well as a moral imperative to becoming a diverse organisation. However, the journey needs to be carefully worked through. The IiD is the perfect tool-kit to assist organisations do this constructively and progressively.
What will an IiD Organisation look like?
An organisation which has achieved the IiD standard is one that has an open and welcoming approach to people from different back grounds. It recognises that that diversity, if effectively managed is a powerful force for the positive development of the organisation (regardless of whether it is commercial or non commercial). It recognises the need for continuous improvement in how it manages diversity and understands the close links to managing diversity and new opportunities. It recognises that people are different but equal and that if the organisation is to become responsive to the needs of its customers, service users or clients then it must genuinely value diversity and use it to go forward.”