Equal - Digital Repository

Background 

Most employers are diversity aware, however they little understand the commercial opportunities that are open to them if they proactively embrace positive diversity policies.  Individuals from disadvantaged groups have been traditionally excluded from many job roles. The benefits of increasing inclusion is a case which still needs to be made explicit for all parties: for employers, for the public sector and for individuals. 

Aim

The DP aims to design, develop, implement and evaluate a range of models and methods of engaging employers in the diversity process and unlocking the potential of individuals. These models are designed to demonstrate the benefits of increasing inclusion for a broad range of social groups through a range of methods, statistical models defining business performance, practical training and workshops, dissemination and raising awareness, case studies, mentoring and benchmarking. 

Objectives

Supporting employers to:

• Increase understanding and awareness of diversity
• Develop a diversity strategy which effectively identifies and measures diversity
• Understand, realise and maximise the business benefits of diversity including the increased productivity that a diverse workforce can proffer
• Engage with a wider, more diverse consumer base
• Understand and realise the business benefits of flexible working practices
• Increase their CSR and learn new solutions to develop and sustain CSR
• Share best practice and case study insights
• Position themselves at the forefront of business and social developments, ensuring their long term success.

Working with a wide range of individuals to:

• Motivate and empower the long term unemployed to re-enter employment and develop strategies and tools to support them in this objective.
• Assist individuals to access the appropriate support and resources.
• Forge strong relationships with employers, businesses and the voluntary and public sectors, and develop networks to sustain these.
• Develop online resources that will meet identified gaps in the provision of services for business women; third age and other marginalised groups.
• Develop tailored and specific solutions to individuals.
• Influence policy and promote diversity.

Activities

There have been 7 main areas of activity targeting both employers and individuals.

• Talent Key for Job Centre Plus
• Diversity Analysis Model (DAM)
• Film and Media Employability
• High Growth Portal
• Accessibility Framework
• Corporate social Responsibility
• Flexibile Working

Target Groups

• Employers
• People with disabilities
• Women
• 3rd age
• BME groups
• Lone parents and people with dependents

This Development Partnership was not involved in Round One.

Information for Transnational partnerships

Action 2: 31 December 2007
Action 3: 31 December 2007

The lead body of Diversity in Practice is Business Link Herefordshire which is part of the Exemplas Group. The partnership has been put together at local, regional, national and transnational levels with partners which include SMEs, Universities, mainstream support organisations and Government agencies.

As greater connections are made between marginalised groups, different types of organisations and information, resources and learning, Diversity in Practice hopes to become a central point of reference, supporting individuals to come together effectively.

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