The Financial Times Guide to Inclusion and Diversity: (The FT Guides)

87% of companies state I&D is a value or priority area for them, but only 10% of I&D programmes are fully mature . This is even though research shows that organisations with an inclusive culture perform better, are more innovative and agile, and achieve better business outcomes. Written by a respected I&D expert, The FT Guide to Inclusion and Diversity shows you everything you need to know about how to create and implement a I&D strategy that will have a positive impact on people performance and business results.  This book gives you a step-by-step guide to the tools, theory and the latest new thinking you need to design a compelling I&D strategy for your organisation. Clear, compelling and comprehensive, this book is designed for leaders and executives to ensure they can bring talented people together from different backgrounds and thinking, creating greater success and benefits to business performance and profitability. This book takes you through a fair and equal approach developed specifically for senior business leaders. It will help you: Design and implement a I&D strategy that will have a positive impact on performance and results. Recognize the value of inclusion and diversity and how it can impact clients positively as well as the organization. How to link the I&D strategy to your wider business goals and set metrics to check its return on investment. Learn techniques on how to drive I&D through your organization and articulate why it is critical to employees. Elect executive sponsors to ensure commitment is demonstrated from the top.

Table of Contents:
PART 1 – UNDERSTANDING INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY 1.1 What is inclusion and what is diversity (I&D) 1.2 How to understand the baseline for inclusion and diversity 1.3 How to set up a structure for inclusion and diversity PART 2 – HOW TO PUT THE I&D APPROACH INTO PRACTICE 2.1 How to embed I&D into the business strategy 2.2 Why it is important to set targets and measure success 2.3 Why organisations tend to start with gender diversity 2.4 The value of diversity groups PART 3 – BEHAVING AND LEADING INCLUSIVELY AS A LEADER 3.1 How to focus on inclusive behaviour 3.2 How to be inclusive when communicating 3.3 How to be aware of our behaviour when working with others 3.4 How to respect cultural differences 3.5 How to respond to I&D in times of change PART 4 – BUILDING AN I&D APPROACH WITH LEADERS, EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS 4.1 How to engage leaders 4.2 Attracting, developing and retaining talent 4.3 Bringing customers and suppliers on the I&D journey

About the Author :
Vikki Leach is Director of Inclusion and Diversity at Zalando and a senior professional with over 15 years’ experience in global organisations for Inclusion & Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility. She is a member of Henley Business School and has been shortlisted for both Head of Diversity of the Year at the European Diversity Awards and Diversity Leader of the Year at the Tech Leaders Award.

Review :
"This is the book I was always looking for!! When I first started my D&I journey I had so many questions and this book expertly answers all of them. It lays out all the steps to build a successful D&I program in a way that is easy to understand. The mix of interviews and theory lets me know that I am not alone in what sometimes feels like a lonely path. The focus on behaviours will help D&I practitioners create safe spaces to have the hard but necessary conversations. This is the perfect companion for any D&I practitioner.” Vusa Tebe, D&I Practitioner "This book “decodes” the very topical subject of I&D, in an engaging, easy read. It not only provides loads of insights, but great practical tips. We are living in a time of change. We need to build back better. Business has to be sustainable to survive and inclusion for all is at the heart of this. I recommend it to leaders and practitioners alike - time is ticking down to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 where no one is left behind." Richard Poston, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Kodiak Communications Ltd "This book is a great practical guide. It gives clear tangibles on how to take action, and steps to take to make real impact. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about inclusion and diversity and making a difference.” Nikki Walker, CEO, Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) "A truly inspiring read on how to drive meaningfully sustainable change by seeing diversity as the art of thinking independently together, and a sense of belonging as the heartbeat that drives inclusion. With diversity and inclusion being so imperative to personal, business, social, and economic growth I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to get into the topic." Caroline Frankum, CEO, Profiles Division, Kantar