What Is the DEI Committee?

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee is a group within a company that focuses on fostering these core principles. It serves as a key driver for creating a workplace where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and empowered.

Purpose

The primary goal of the DEI committee is to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce, expanding opportunities that drive better decision-making and fuel innovation.

Promoting diversity

The committee encourages the representation of different races, genders, abilities and ethnicities within the company. It works to ensure that diverse perspectives are reflected at all levels, from entry-level employees to top leadership.

Advancing equity

Equity ensures fair opportunities for all employees by removing barriers for underrepresented groups. The DEI committee revises policies and practices to guarantee equal access to resources, career advancement and fair compensation for everyone.

Fostering inclusion

Inclusion means creating a work environment where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to contribute. The DEI committee promotes initiatives to help all employees understand their roles and the value they bring, regardless of their identities.

Roles and responsibilities

Policy development

The DEI committee develops and reviews policies that promote its three core principles, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s values. This includes revising hiring practices and ensuring anti-discrimination measures are effective.

Awareness and education

The committee is responsible for raising awareness about DEI issues through training, workshops and events. These efforts are aimed at reducing biases and nurturing a more inclusive workplace culture.

Data collection and analysis

To measure progress, the committee gathers data on employee engagement and retention rates, board diversity and incident reports via surveys and HR records. Analysing this data helps the committee identify policy gaps and set realistic goals.

Advising leadership

The committee provides recommendations to senior leadership on integrating DEI strategies into broader business goals, ensuring that DEI principles remain central to decision-making.

Monitoring and reporting

The DEI committee regularly monitors the impact of its initiatives, tracks progress and reports all updates to the company leadership, ensuring accountability and constant progress.

Employee support and advocacy

The DEI committee serves as a helpful resource for employees, offering support and advocacy. It guides employees in addressing DEI-related concerns and supports initiatives like mentorship programmes for marginalised groups.

Composition of the committee

The DEI committee comprises employees from any department who wish to work towards fostering DEI principles. These include HR representatives, senior executives, managers and employees from diverse backgrounds to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered when shaping DEI initiatives.

Activities and initiatives

• Employee training programmes: Implementing and leading training workshops and seminars to educate employees about unconscious bias and other forms of discrimination.
• Awareness campaigns: Hosting events to celebrate cultural holidays and events, raising awareness of different identities and perspectives.
• Employee resource groups: Creating and supporting ERGs — groups that offer networking and employment opportunities to their members — formed around specific identities.
• Transforming recruitment practices: Implementing diverse hiring panels to reduce bias during interviews and revising job descriptions to attract a broader range of candidates.
• Policy changes: Reviewing and updating anti-discrimination and harassment policies to reflect best practices and providing accommodations for employees with disabilities.