We undertook a consultancy assignment and developed an innovative tool to progress and enhance diversity learning throughout the company. Utilising a mixed methodology approach and after conducting a desk-based analysis of company literature, we extensively researched sector competitors and the diversity policies and achievements of major corporations. This study has led to an adoption of our recommendations. This in turn will aid the process of securing resources for diversity and developing an organisation-wide strategy for diversity. The organisation has also secured best practise knowledge on diversity as a direct result of our contribution.

• Compiling a Diversity Benchmarking Report
• Developing a Coaching Toolkit.

The development of the Diversity Coaching Tool was in relation to four company priorities in relation to:

• Women in Leadership;
• Tackling under-representation of ethnic minorities;
• Customer diversity/service and excellence; and
• Internationalisation.

We developed a template that identified barriers to progression in all of these areas. We then identified the actions to assist the target groups i.e. managers who could then utilise this tool with tips techniques and strategies. This then allows for cascading of the responsibility for diversity across the business.

Relevant best practice was identified and a total of 45 case studies were written to identify the challenges and strategies adopted by other organisations, as well as the outputs and results achieved. This project was delivered to a tight deadline and to the complete satisfaction of the client.

This tool will now supplement all diversity activity within the company. It will also be used on the company’s intranet site and will be linked into the performance appraisal objectives of all managers in relation to demonstrating progress on all these four areas on behalf of the company.