<span id="test" class="kool-class" style="color: #00c0c3;" fs-test-element="test"><b>Choosing an organisation that shares your values as an EDI Lead is crucial for your professional fulfilment, effectiveness and personal satisfaction in bringing about positive change.</b></span>

‍

Let’s face it - being an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lead is crucial in fostering a workplace environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included.

The role itself is instrumental in driving <span id="test" class="kool-class" style="color: #00c0c3;" fs-test-element="test"><b>cultural transformation, enhancing organisational performance, and attracting a wealth of inspiring and diverse talent.</b></span> Being an EDI Lead is about asking the tough questions, and often, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s also about encouraging a culture of belonging where diverse perspectives are celebrated, innovation flourishes, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive professionally and personally.

Choosing an organisation that shares your values as an EDI Lead is crucial for your professional fulfilment, effectiveness and personal satisfaction in bringing about positive change. Below are a few suggestions to help you in your search:

<ul>

<li><b>Research the organisation's EDI commitments:</b> Look at their website, annual reports, and social media channels. Use them to build a picture of how they prioritise EDI in their culture and day to day operations. Are they waving the diversity flag or just giving it a polite nod?</li>

<li><b>Check they align with your personal values:</b> Reflect on your own values and priorities regarding EDI, and consider whether the organisation's mission, values, and culture resonate with your own. Look for opportunities to contribute meaningfully to advancing EDI goals that align with your personal values.</li>

<li><b>Assess leadership's commitment:</b> Look at the leadership team - are they dedicated to EDI? Do they support EDI efforts and publicly endorse them? Are they shying away from some celebrations, and shouting from the rooftops about others?</li>

<li><b>Review employee feedback:</b> Search for feedback from current and former employees to gain insights into the organisation's culture and inclusiveness. Glassdoor and Indeed can provide valuable perspectives on employee experiences within the organisation.</li>

<li><b>Check out data:</b> Look out for available metrics and data to gauge the representation of diverse groups in the workforce, especially in leadership roles. Transparency in data reflects a commitment to accountability and progress in EDI initiatives. A lack of data speaks volumes about a lack of commitment to EDI and growth.</li>

<li><b>Look for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)/Staff Networks:</b> Try to find out if they have active and established ERGs or staff networks dedicated to supporting underrepresented groups. Engaged ERGs can indicate a supportive environment for diverse employees and offer networking and professional development opportunities.</li>

<li><b>Review policies and practices:</b> Have a look through the organisation's publicly available people policies and practices, particularly in relation to recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention, to ensure they promote inclusivity and fairness. Look for evidence of transparent processes that foster diversity across all levels of the organisation. If these aren’t available, have a look at what information they have added to their job description or their careers pages about them.</li>

<li><b>Trust your instincts:</b> Listen to your instincts when deciding whether a company is aligned with your values. Think of what questions you would like to know the answer to, about the company's culture, leadership, and values. Consider how these align during the interview process and interactions with current employees. Do you want to be a part of it? Or do you want to run in the opposite direction?</li>

</ul>

By following these steps and evaluating potential employers based on their EDI initiatives, leadership commitment, culture, and alignment with your personal values, you can make an informed decision when selecting a company as an EDI Lead. This way, you ensure your choice is the right fit for you. Good luck!