The British Standards Institute (BSI) has published a new code of practice to help organisations create a more diverse and inclusive culture.
The code of practice (PAS 1948), which is free to download, aims to help organisations implement a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework that works for them. Areas covered include understanding and implementing concepts such as “diversity of thought”, “dimensions of diversity”, “intercultural competence” and “cognitive diversity”.
The PAS 1948 also covers practical measures around recruitment and retention DEI, and how organisations can address behaviour which is inconsistent with DEI principles; as well as how to engage and support underrepresented social and cultural groups.
PAS 1948 AREAS OF FOCUS
Other areas of focus include:
- Identifying appropriate DEI learning and development needs.
- Creating inclusive brands, customer engagement and workplace culture.
- Incorporating DEI principles into an organisation’s internal policies, practices and processes.
- Establishing the organisational benefits of creating and maintaining an effective culture of DEI.
- Setting achievable targets and objectives, and measuring progress.
Although the PAS does not cover local, national, or international employment law or regulation, it does include standards and principles statements issued by organisations, research institutes, government agencies, and other bodies. The BSI expects organisations to use the guidance alongside existing British standard frameworks in areas such as:
- Human resource management – Diversity and inclusion (BS ISO 30415:2021)
- Human resource – Valuing people – Management system (BS 76000:2015)
- Psychological Health and Safety at work (ISO 45003)
NEW DEI FRAMEWORK
The new code of practice, sponsored by the All-In Diversity Project, was created in response to organisations seeking guidance. It is a practical, one-stop shop for organisations looking to develop and implement an effective DEI framework. Aimed at organisations in all sectors in any country, it applies to traditional offices and industrial environments, but also workplaces such as zoos, sports arenas or film sets.
“This standard is based on four fundamentals: that inclusivity is everyone’s responsibility – not just HR; that not everyone works in an office; that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is changing the way we live and work; and that the business case for inclusive workplaces having been proven, is shifting the focus from why, to how,” stated Christina Thakor-Rankin, Co-Founder of the All-In Diversity Project. “The aim from the outset has been to create a document that is accessible to anyone; and is applicable to any organisation of any type, size and sector, anywhere in the world. It applies where a workplace could be an office, but could just as easily be a studio, stadium, shop, science lab, safari park, street or outer space.”
CREATING CULTURES THAT PRIORITISE PEOPLE
The document covers the principles, “but more importantly also includes practical guidance and recommendations, and a basic workplace toolkit that enables an organisation to create or develop an existing framework for workplace DEI designed to fit their specific operational needs; and at a budget and pace that works for them”, explained Thakor-Rankin. “This is a universal standard that is designed to be used either as a stand-alone document or alongside other national and international standards.”
Adding to her comments, Kate Field, Global Head of Health, Safety and Well-being at the BSI, said: “A diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace culture that prioritises people has the potential to be transformative for individuals, organisations and society. This starts with leadership taking steps to turn ambition into action to build and sustain DEI across their organisation.
GUIDANCE TO EMPOWERING PEOPLE
Seeing DEI as a valuable investment in people and the future of your organisation can offer “huge benefits”, shared Field. “This includes in attracting and retaining the very best talent and skills which in turn has the potential to support innovation, customer insight engagement and improve performance. PAS 1948 provides the guidance to empower people to make a positive impact by building workplaces that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”
The measures are designed to be taken up by anyone with exposure to DEI decision-making, ranging from board members and organisational leaders to HR professionals and communications, marketing and branding and technology teams. It can also be applicable to trade union and employee association representatives, as well as advisors, auditors and investors.
For more information, or to download the BSI 1948 Pas standard visit the BSI Knowledge here.
RELATED ARTICLES
The investment industry in the US and Canada have embraced a new DEI code led by the CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals.
All-In Diversity Project’s Christina Thakor-Rankin explores the importance of setting workplace standards and a code of practice in DEI to help stamp out bias and prejudice.
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