Diversity Management
Moving on Diversity: practical tools for diversity management
In response to this fast changing economic environment a new report, Moving on Diversity, has been published by Diversity Works. The chamber are one of the ten organisations who make up the Diversity Works partnership, which includes representatives from business, government, trade unions and the community / voluntary sector.
Diversity management is about businesses that seek, respect and utilise the diversity of their existing and future workforce, clients and customers. This study is the result of a unique 18 month diversity management process implemented with three businesses in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
Some of the actions implemented by those involved in the study included the development of a communications policy dealing with the issue of different languages in the workplace, diversity awareness and conflict management training and developing a benchmarking system in order to support the targeting of potential customers.
The report concluded that time and commitment from senior management is essential, preparation, communication and accountability are ‘musts’ and a robust monitoring and evaluation process an absolute requirement for effective diversity management. None of the findings were ‘rocket science’ but, as with all logical and obvious actions, they are not always as straight forward as first anticipated!
The Wilson Group’s Finance Manager commented:
“We became aware of this programme (Diversity Works) and as we have a diverse workforce from many different ethnic backgrounds we felt we could learn from it…it proved to be an engaging, positive and ultimately beneficial project for us”.
If you would any like more detailed information about anything to do with Moving on Diversity please contact Caroline Millar on: Telephone: 028 9029 7880, Textphone: 028 9029 7882 or admin.dw@disabilityaction.org
To download a copy of the full report, please click here
To download a zipped folder with the contents of the business card CD, please click here
Diversity Works have also produced a series of useful factsheets on workplace diversity issues. They cover good practice in relation to age, sexual orientation and carers. These publications also provide examples of how to successfully include people in your workforce and how the role of a diversity champion can contribute to your business. The factsheets may be downloaded:
