Keen Debate Around DEI

DEI: Good Intentions or effective outcomes? was the subject for iNED’s recent in-person forum

An expert panel shared feedback from the CBI's recent roundtables on the future of DEI in the face of noisy challenges from the US, writes Sian Fisher. This emphasised the desire from members for a focus on actions which produce real business impact, particularly on productivity, rather than more intent based training and education. They picked out health impact, childcare and apprenticeships as three areas for action.

We focused on the current “lived experience” for diverse talent and showcased the important contribution that can be made by an action oriented and fact based network like iCAN . We also had some “right here, right now” actions for insurance employers to encourage the career success of their diverse talent – role modelling, mentoring, good governance, interrogation and assurance.

There was a standout slide for the Trump bamboozled. The US is really focused on rolling back “affirmative action”, ie openly biased and targeted recruitment to address perceived under opportunity. This has never been legal in the UK which has always focused on addressing good practice and good governance to widen opportunity for diversity in recruitment and career progression. It was stressed that the law in the UK is not regressing and employers need to be very careful that they are still fully complying with the Equality Act 2010 and relevant regulations.