Equal-Works

The Diversity Analysis Model (DAM) is a simple framework designed to support senior level organisational decision-makers in understanding the business benefits of diversity. It promotes the benefits of practicing diversity and the impact on employees, suppliers, customers and ultimately business growth.

There is no tangible link between diversity and growth for an organisation, however diversity and CSR are fast becoming key principles to the success of any business. The DAM demonstrates why diversity is key for a business and why it should be a core business planning activity requiring investment. Diversity will add value to core activities such as sales and marketing and production. The research shows that diversifying the workforce enhances competitive advantage, and businesses attract better employees with a broader range of skills and experience. DAM is aimed at employees at all levels to support them in understanding the benefits of practising diversity within their job roles and organisations.

The partnership has been developing a number of tools to support employers in practising diversity and embedding the concepts in business strategy. These tools are:

• leadership and diversity: development of training materials that can be integrated with mainstream leadership programmes aimed at senior managers, to support them in recognising the value of embedding diversity as part of the business planning process
• policies and management of communication: supporting middle managers in implementing diversity practices for their employees and communicating both diversity principles and the purpose of individual training through best practice guidance
• Diversity in Action training: a modular training programme for front-facing employees to support them in practising diversity in their day-to-day lives.