The campaign aims to equip employers with the knowledge and tools to improve inclusivity and diversity within their workforces and their working practices.
Following an initial assessment and benchmarking, the company will be provided feedback on areas they can improve, in addition to attending inclusivity and mental health awareness workshops supported by an expansive Inclusivity Toolkit resource.
The scheme will refocus staff development programmes to ensure the workplace culture offers equal opportunities for career progression, regardless of an employee’s age, gender, race or sexuality.
Six months after the initial assessment, companies will be invited to retake the questionnaire to review progress and having implemented the necessary processes, will receive a qualifying Inclusivity kite mark.
Explains Made in the Midlands managing director Jason Pitt: “Poor efforts to encourage inclusivity in the engineering industry is a cause for concern. There are significant competitive advantages for company’s recruiting from a diverse talent pool. In fact, engaging and attracting new people from underrepresented groups, including women and ethnic minorities, is crucial for employers wanting to improve their productivity and grow more quickly.”
Adds Baroness Burt: “As Liberal Democrat spokesperson for women and business, I applaud the work of organisations like Made in the Midlands. Recruiting from a diverse talent pool leads to greater productivity, staff loyalty and retention, better decision-making and, ultimately, a healthier bottom line.
“We believe that by raising awareness of this and better equipping employers to implement this approach, we can make strides in reversing the skills shortage in Midlands and the wider UK industry.”
The campaign will be officially launched on 22 January, at Manor Grove in Handsworth, Birmingham. More information on the campaign can be found on the Made in the Midlands website.
