Local training and consultancy company, PDQ Solutions Ltd, in partnership with the Centre for Assessment (CfA), launched the new Diversity and Inclusion Standard (BS 76005) in the Linenhall Library, Belfast, on Wednesday 6th September 2017.
BS 76005: Valuing People through Diversity and Inclusion provides a framework of good practice for organisations who are working towards making their environments and cultures more inclusive and progressive.
The Standard was developed by a range of bodies including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development; Business Disability Forum; Business in the Community; the British Standards Institute (BSI), and the National Centre for Diversity.
Providing a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion, BS 76005 is relevant to all organisations, regardless of their size, sector, and level of maturity. The Standard provides a systematic and principled approach to people management and development, and the evolution of more inclusive policies, procedures, practices, and behaviours within organisations supporting diversity.
Building productive relationships with others, be they customers, clients, or people within communities, is also a key element of the Standard.
Dr Wilson Wong, Head of Future and Insights at CIPD, and the Independent Chair of the Human Capital Standards Committee at the BSI, commended the Standard:
“The way an organisation values its people and its stakeholders is at the heart of its success. Managing a diverse workforce and building an inclusive culture to support the best in our workforce is the aim. It’s a standard that seeks to provide public recognition that you are good employers, striving to be better.”
Representatives from some of the main political parties in Northern Ireland, along with representatives from various professional bodies, including: the Chartered Management institute (CMI), and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), attended the launch.
Following the launch, John Mulholland, Managing Director of PDQ Solutions Ltd, said:
“Early feedback on the Standard has been very positive, and I am delighted to be involved in the implementation and assessment of this Standard. There is huge interest in Diversity and Inclusion in Northern Ireland, and this Standard focusses not just on internal people management practices, but also on fostering mutually beneficial relationships with external stakeholders, and within the supply chain. This will help drive organisational improvement.”
Dave Harrison, CFA Director, also commented:
“We are delighted with the level of interest in the Standard so far, and I have no doubt that the assessment process will add significant value for organisations. The Standard has been very competitively priced and will be attractive to organisations of all sizes and sectors.”
PDQ Solutions offer training, consultancy, and assessment solutions for a range of businesses in a variety of industries. For more information contact John Mulholland on [email protected].