Become a standard-bearer of DEI excellence
The Diversity Development Standard, or DDS for short, is our externally recognised DEI accreditation programme. It’s both a badge of excellence and an ongoing organisational development tool, audited at regular intervals by our professional team. The programme focuses on practical action that can help you achieve a truly diverse and productive workforce. By developing an inclusive culture, in which everyone can flourish, the wellbeing of all staff is supported and maintained, with clear business benefits.
Companies of all sizes use the DDS to gauge whether their operating practices are fit for purpose and then measure the improvements. This DEI accreditation programme will also help to future-proof your organisation for diversity, equity and inclusion best practice and ultimately drive sustainable culture change.
Widen Your Talent Pool
Over 80% of millennials say that an employer’s DEI policies are an important factor when deciding whether to work for them
Employer Inclusion
The most inclusive companies outperform the least by 36% in profitability terms
Standard of DEI excellence
Introducing the DDS Accreditation
The DDS has been a standard of excellence in diversity and inclusion for over a decade. Our expert diversity consultants will help you to measure, track and analyse the progress and impact of your DEI initiatives over time.
Whether you are just beginning your DEI journey, or already have a clear diversity strategy in place, we’ll help you to take forward your plan and really turn the dial on DEI in your organisation.
The DDS programme offers a supportive, holistic approach to achieving success with your DEI initiatives. You’ll be matched with an expert diversity consultant and project manager who will provide guidance throughout the process.
Undergoing the DDS gives you an externally assessed accreditation and an ongoing organisational development structure, with regular reviews to help keep you on track.
Five stepping-stones to DEI best practice
How does the diversity and inclusion accreditation work in practice?
The DDS assesses your organisation on five elements, each with an overarching goal. You’ll be awarded Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Working Towards level for each element, depending on the criteria you have successfully fulfilled. You’ll then receive a set of practical recommendations to drive the next phase of DEI improvements.
- Element 1: Diversity & Wellbeing Foundations
- Element 2: Recruitment
- Element 3: External Relations
- Element 4: Career Development, Pay and Other Awards
- Element 5: Inclusive Culture
DEI Accreditation levels
What our clients say
A trusted diversity partner
Working together to push your DEI agenda forward
Throughout the DDS process, one of our dedicated diversity consultants will work closely with you, reviewing your policies and procedures, then conducting qualitative research inside your organisation in the form of confidential interviews and focus groups. This means we will gain a detailed understanding of how, for example, advantage and disadvantage plays out in your daily working practices, plus creative ideas to redress the balance.
You will receive a detailed report with commentary on the findings of the audit, your organisation’s strengths, and areas for development. With specific tasks and recommended time frames, this SMART action plan will help you develop and implement your DEI initiatives effectively.
Our DDS reporting will then be externally audited by one of our independent consultants, who will have the final say on your accreditation. Once awarded, your Diversity Development Standard accreditation will last for 18 months, after which we will work with you again to review your progress and re-accredit your organisation.
What areas of our business will the Diversity Development Standard support?
The DDS taps into all aspects of your organisational culture as the programme develops. Here are just some of the benefits to be derived from the diversity accreditation process:
- Talent pipeline – win the race for the very best talent, and keep hold of them
- Staff wellbeing and belonging – get the best out of happier, more productive employees
- Reputation – promote your commitment to ethical, equitable business
- Client/customer wins – gain competitive advantages from DEI
- Leadership and management – build valuable skills, awareness and buy-in
- Corporate social responsibility – contribute to increasing equity and social mobility as part of a fairer society
Diversity Accreditation FAQs
Why is having diversity and inclusion accreditation important?
A DEI accreditation is a badge of excellence to recognise your company’s achievements and demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion. But more than just a title, DDS certification can be used as a tool to assess whether your organisation’s current policies and practices are sufficient in fostering an inclusive culture at work. Ultimately, it is this culture that supports members of staff from all backgrounds to feel their best and produce their best work, helping to maximise business results.
How is the DDS programme accredited?
Each phase of the DDS reporting is externally audited by one of our experienced independent consultants, with years of experience in developing corporate equity, diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive audit ensures that the award achievements are appropriate, and has the final say on company DEI accreditation and grading.
Learn how our DEI accreditation programme could benefit your organisation
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