Businesses committed to a fairer Coventry - benefits of equality, diversity, and inclusivity - Print version

Equality, diversity, and inclusivity - benefits for your business

A diverse workforce can benefit your business by employing staff who reflect the local community with the wider benefit of understanding customer’s perspectives, enabling your business to diversify its products or services.

• Helps to attract and retain staff from a wider talent pool.
• Supports your business to fill skills gap.
• Bring additional skills such as languages, cultural understanding, different ideas, and perspectives to your business.
• Happier and more motivated staff

Did you know?

Over a third of businesses [https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/economicoutputandproductivity/output/datasets/businessinsightsandimpactontheukeconomy] with 10 or more employees experienced a shortage of workers in late November 2021 with the most common reason being a low number and lack of qualified applicants. Businesses, particularly those with 10 or more employees, are reporting difficulties filling vacancies and a shortage of workers.

Benefits of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the business environment.

• Have social responsibility and ethical leadership. Demonstrating commitment to EDI aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR). It reflects ethical leadership and a genuine concern for societal well-being. Businesses that champion equality and diversity contribute positively to the communities they operate in [https://future-business.org/the-business-benefits-of-diversity-equality-and-inclusion/]
• Have a customer- centric approach. Inclusion ensures that businesses resonate with their customers and build lasting relationships [https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/diversity-factsheet/]. A positive reputation for inclusivity enhances brand image and attracts socially conscious consumers [https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/diversity-factsheet/]
• Improve organisational agility. A diverse workforce helps organisations stay ahead of the curve and navigate challenges more adeptly [https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/diversity-factsheet/] responding to market shifts, technology advancement and customer needs.
• Enhanced innovation. When teams collaborate across different viewpoints, they generate innovative solutions and creative ideas [https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/diversity-factsheet/].
• Problem-solving. Diverse teams approach problems from multiple angles. They consider a wider range of solutions and identify blind spots. Inclusion encourages open dialogue, leading to better problem-solving and strategic planning [https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/diversity-factsheet/]
• Attract and retain talent. Companies that prioritise EDI are attractive to job seekers. Talented individuals seeking organisations where they feel valued and included. Inclusive workplaces retain employees by fostering a sense of belonging and job satisfaction [https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/diversity-factsheet/].
• Increase employee engagement. Foster a sense of pride and commitment among employees. When individuals feel respected and valued, they are more engaged. Engaged employees contribute to higher productivity and overall organisational success [https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/diversity-factsheet/].

In summary, embracing equality, diversity, and inclusion is a strategic advantage that drives innovation, resilience, and long-term success.

Real-life stories 

You can make a real difference to people’s lives by being an inclusive employer. Some people face additional barriers to entering the workforce. Good employment brings an opportunity to offer people in your community a route out of poverty, a better income, improved health, equity, and opportunities for social inclusion. Find out more from our Coventry real-life stories.  

Yanal’s story

Martin's story

Business case study from NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Social Care Employability Academy 

Migration Team Intensive Employment Support Programme

Coventry boasts a rich history of embracing migrants, who have not only brought unique cultural perspectives but also a wealth of skills and knowledge that have greatly contributed to the city's economic vitality and advancement. Employers recognise the value of the diverse talents and global perspectives that migrants offer, which often result in new business opportunities and markets. The exchange of insights and connections to international networks provided by migrants, including refugees, has frequently facilitated business expansion, fostering new partnerships and client relationships.

Their presence has proven invaluable in addressing labour shortages and enhancing organisational productivity. Notably, migrants, including refugees, often excel in roles beyond their initial job descriptions, bringing higher levels of skill and expertise to the workplace.

The Migration Team at Coventry City Council has over a decade of expertise in facilitating refugee employment, aiding in their professional restart and societal establishment within the city. The team work closely with employers to offer tailored guidance and support to facilitate refugees into the workforce, identify the right candidates, and fully support them, ensuring a mutually beneficial transition for both employees and employers.

Migrant Friendly employers

If you are interested in becoming a business who could use diverse skills to enrich your business and workforce, check out the employers guide [https://mifriendlycities.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mifriendly_employers_2020.pdf] to migrant friendly employers who would like to collaborate with you. to assist employers

Information on equality, diversity and inclusion

Places of support for your business

• The Care Leaver Covenant [https://mycovenant.org.uk/about/] is a national inclusion programme that supports care leavers aged 16-25 to live independently.
• The Armed Forces Covenant [https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/] website contains information on how businesses can be a force-friendly employer and make a difference.
• Evidence suggests [https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017-06/2017.061%20Benefits%20of%20employing%20PWLD%255b1%255d%20%281%29.pdf] positive public reactions to organisations that employ people with disabilities.
• A diverse talent pool benefits your business by employing staff with specialist knowledge and skills, creative problem-solving, and who have a particular attention to detail. Having staff who reflect their broad consumer base and can also support your business to tap into diverse audiences to drive business growth. Read Employing disabled people and people with health conditions [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employing-disabled-people-and-people-with-health-conditions] for more information.
• The Purple Pound [https://wearepurple.org.uk/about-us-purple/] is the term for the spending power of disabled people. The Purple Pound equates to £249 billion a year to the UK economy.
• Talent Inclusion and Diversity Evaluation [https://www.enei.org.uk/resource/employer-guides/tide-talent-inclusion-and-diversity-evaluation/] (TIDE) is the diversity and inclusion self-assessment evaluation and benchmarking tool developed by the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.
• Disability Confident [https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/] provides advice on recruiting high-quality staff from the widest possible pool of talent.
• Access to Work [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-guide-for-employers] is a publicly funded employment support programme that provides practical and financial support if you have a disability or physical or mental health condition that can help people get or stay in work.
• Toilets and changing facilities encourage people to visit new places and engage in activities such as shopping and socialising. Enabling access to your toilets and changing facilities for customers including people with disabilities and their carers; older people; people with babies or young children and people of all ages who are coping with a range of medical conditions encourages them to visit and stay longer, demonstrating good levels of customer care, broadening your customer base, increasing footfall. Find further information on Changing Place Toilets and locations [https://www.changing-places.org/find]. 
• Inclusive Employers ‘Talking inclusion with…’ [https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/talking-inclusion-with-podcast/]  inclusion podcasts have a range of real-life stories and information on a broad spectrum of inclusion topics, including LGBTQ+, race, and social mobility, inclusion in sport, disability and wellbeing and mental health
• Business in the Community (BITC’s) Race at Work Charter [https://www.bitc.org.uk/race-at-work-charter-signatories/]
• West Midlands Combined Authority Race Forward West Midlands Race Equalities Taskforce Independent Strategy 2023-2028 [https://www.wmca.org.uk/media/f40np0m2/race-forward-ret-independant-strategy.pdf] for tackling race disparities across our region.
• Pay disparities. Taking data from the Race at Work 2021 Survey, this Windrush Generation: employment and socioeconomic factors factsheet [https://www.bitc.org.uk/fact-sheet/windrush-generation-employment-and-socioeconomic-factors/] outlines the pay disparities including socio-economic factors 
• MiFriendly Cities Employers Guide [https://mifriendlycities.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mifriendly_employers_2020.pdf]; A guide to assist employers in attracting, employing, and harnessing the skills of migrants and refugees. 
• Capturing Ethnicity Data toolkits [https://www.bitc.org.uk/capturing-ethnicity-data/]– understand and take action on your pay gaps. 
• The International Rescue Company website [https://www.rescue.org/uk/search-uk/site/refugee%20facts] contains refugee facts, statistics, and FAQs.
• Business in the Community drugs, alcohol and tobacco toolkit for employers [https://www.bitc.org.uk/toolkit/drugs-alcohol-and-tobacco-a-toolkit-for-employers]
• Collective Voice is the national charity working to improve England’s drug and alcohol treatment and recovery system. Collective Voice [http://www.collectivevoice.org.uk/] provides advice and support to employers and individuals.
• Find out more on how you can make a difference by recruiting people recovering from drug and alcohol misuse Guidance; Recruiting people recovering from drug and alcohol misuse; Published 30 July 2020 [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recruiting-people-recovering-from-addiction/recruiting-people-recovering-from-addiction]
• IPS is an evidence-based programme that supports people in finding and maintaining paid employment which aids substance recovery. IPS staff will work with businesses to become am IPS employer and develop employment opportunities for those who have been through drug and alcohol recovery. IPS staff will work with businesses to become an IPS employer and develop employment opportunities for those having been through drug and alcohol treatment. For further information contact the IPS Team Leader on 07500 649 641.
• Find out more on how you can make a difference by employing prisoners and ex-offenders Guidance; Employing prisoners and ex-offenders; Updated 8 March 2023 [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unlock-opportunity-employer-information-pack-and-case-studies/employing-prisoners-and-ex-offenders]
• Many skilled potential employees you may find have criminal records; NACRO [https://www.nacro.org.uk/nacro-services/advice/advice-for-employers/employing-someone-with-a-criminal-record/] has advice for employers. DBS checks can support your business with safer recruitment practices. The NSPCC safer recruitment guidance [https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/safer-recruitment/] will support your business to help make sure your staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and young people.
• Many employees may be struggling financially from inflationary pressures such as rising prices and fuel costs. The Cost of Living and wellbeing support webpages [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/costofliving] contain information on the support available from many organisations for Coventry residents who may be feeling the pressure from the cost-of-living crisis.