At the CIPD, our ‘Inclusion at work 2022 report’ showed that just 30% of employers say their leaders are completely committed to having an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Explore our reports and guides for best practice approaches to equal opportunities, diversity and managing inclusion. Listen to our podcast for the latest trends in equality, diversity and inclusion.

All topics A-Z

Factsheets

Regularly-updated factsheets provide overviews and information on a topic

One Factsheet about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Factsheet
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace
What does EDI mean in the workplace and why is an effective EDI strategy vital to business?

Guides

Designed for practitioners, our guides provide recommendations and advice on how to apply good practice in the workplace.

13 Guides about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Guide
People manager guide: Inclusive recruitment
Practical guidance for managers to create an inclusive environment, avoid bias and ensure an inclusive recruitment process.
Guide
Inclusive recruitment: Guide for people professionals
A step by step guide for employers to ensure fair processes are set up to attract a more diverse talent pool
Guide
Neuroinclusion at work
Learn about the benefits of having a neuroinclusive and fair organisation and how to support neurodivergent people to be comfortable and successful at work
Guide
Technology use in equality, diversity and inclusion
Guidance on how technology can be leveraged to support equality, diversity and inclusion
For Members
Guide
ERGs and staff networks: How to set up and run business groups
A practical look at supporting employee resource groups (ERGs) and staff networks
For Members
Guide
Disability workforce reporting
A practical guide for people professionals
Guide
Supporting colleagues during Ramadan: Guidance for the workplace
Helping you create an inclusive workplace that values, respects and celebrates diversity
For Members
Guide
Five actions you can take to foster inclusion
We outline five areas in which people professionals can take action to build inclusion in the workplace
For Members
Guide
How to talk about race at work
Principles, steps and considerations for organisations on how to have conversations about race with their employees
Guide
How to source diverse suppliers
Advice for organisations on how to source diverse suppliers for your business
For Members
Guide
Anti-racism guide for people managers
Advice for line managers on how they can play their part in tackling racism in their organisation
Guide
Engaging with leaders on anti-racism strategy
Advice on how people professionals can engage with senior leaders on inclusion and anti-racism strategy
Guide
Developing an anti-racism strategy
Explore the six principles the CIPD recommends to help you create a racially inclusive workplace
For Members

Reports

Research and analysis by experts from CIPD and partner organisations

14 Reports about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Report
Neuroinclusion at work report 2024
Find out about the importance of neuroinclusive workplaces, what employers are doing and the working experiences of neurodivergent and neurotypical employees
Report
The case for disability workforce reporting
The importance of disability workforce reporting created in partnership with the Business Disability Forum
Report
Inclusion at work 2022
Benchmarking information and recommendations to support inclusive people practice
Report
Understanding older workers
Analysis and recommendations to support longer and more fulfilling working lives
Report
Managing multicultural teams
This report highlights the role managers play in helping to facilitate more inclusive, empathetic working styles in multicultural teams
Report
Race inclusion report: Talking about race at work
We look at the need to talk about race at work and the barriers and facilitators of these conversations 
Report
Race inclusion report: Equality of career progression
We look at factors which could be enablers or barriers to progression in the workplace 
Report
Race inclusion report: Encouraging ethnicity data disclosure
We look at the importance of collecting ethnicity data to identify under-representation in the workplace 
Report
Diversity management that works: Summary of recommendations
Develop an evidence-based view of D&I by exploring our research report and practitioner-focused recommendations
Report
Megatrends: Ageing gracefully – the opportunities of an older workforce
This report examines the opportunities afforded by extending working lives as the UK’s ageing population continues to expand
Report
Hidden figures: the missing data from corporate reports
A study of people risk and workforce reporting by UK FTSE 100 organisations
Report
Creating longer, more fulfilling working lives
Discover the policy frameworks and initiatives on offer to support older workers in the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany and the UK
Report
Inclusive leadership
Research, commissioned by the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei), looks at how organisations understand inclusive leadership
Report
Tackling the barriers to leadership
An exploration of the systemic barriers to leadership illustrated through case studies

Case studies

Learn from real world examples of how other people professionals and organisations work with the CIPD to approach key challenges and objectives.

Eight Case studies about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Case study
Being an effective employer: Bupa Arabia
A case study on how Bupa Arabia developed a range of strategic objectives to attract, develop and retain talent
Case study
Enhancing employee engagement: Bupa Arabia
A case study on how Bupa Arabia developed a framework for employee engagement to motivate employees and enhance business performance
Case study
Improving diversity in the workplace: Bupa Arabia
A case study on how Bupa Arabia developed a framework for diversity and inclusion following the Bupa Global model, illustrating their commitment to EDI in the workplace
Case study
A day in the life of an I&D specialist
A day in the life of Michelle Mendelsson, Head of Diversity and Inclusion EMEA at Credit Suisse International
Case study
A day in the life of an I&D specialist
A day in the life of Paul Deemer, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at NHS Employers
Case study
Championing disability inclusion: Longhurst Group
Case study on how the charitable housing association built a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion to become an employer of choice for those with protected characteristics
Case study
Solving business problems with people analytics: University of Warwick
Using people data to tackle pay gaps and drive inclusive change
Case study
People Profession: Mencap – Recruiting from the heart
How a team with boundless dedication managed to transform the way the Royal Mencap Society finds and keeps its people

Tools

One Tools about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Tools
Understanding inclusion in your organisation
Use our inclusion health checker tool and get recommendations on where to make improvements
For Members

Thought leadership

Insight and foresight from our experts in people and the world of work

26 Thought leadership about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Thought leadership
Creating a neuroinclusive organisation for the future of work
The CIPD’s Dr Jill Miller and Uptimize’s Ed Thompson explain why workplace EDI must include neuroinclusion - and a dedication to equality of outcomes for all types of thinkers - if organisations are to fulfil their people commitments, attract and retain great talent, and unlock innovation through true diversity of thought
Thought leadership
Are the barriers to social mobility being addressed in the workplace?
Research shows less than 1 in 10 organisations are focusing on improving social mobility at work. Dr Jill Miller, the CIPD's senior policy adviser on diversity and inclusion, discusses how employers can take action
Thought leadership
CIPD is launching new and timely guidance to help employers recruit inclusively
Claire McCartney discusses our recently published practical guidance on inclusive recruitment
Thought leadership
Population dynamics: Creating pathways for your future workforce
Discover the future opportunities for workforce diversity and how to remove barriers
Thought leadership
The future of work: Insights for senior leaders on drivers of change
Our article series explores key trends shaping our future workplaces and working lives
Thought leadership
Focusing on age inclusive recruitment
Claire McCartney discusses the recent launch of the CIPD’s joint guidance with the Centre for Ageing Better and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Good Recruitment for Older Workers (GROW) on age inclusive recruitment
Thought leadership
Beyond diversity training: What works in making workplaces more inclusive?
A landmark study reviews successful interventions for reducing discrimination at work
Thought leadership
Creating impactful and inclusive learning
Enabling flexible, accessible learning that improves a learner’s existing practice
Thought leadership
Race inclusion reports
This series of reports outlines how employers can act to improve race inclusion in the workplace
Thought leadership
A time to commit to safe cultures and places of work, and for organisations to play their part in positive change
By Peter Cheese, CIPD's chief executive
Thought leadership
Should we stop talking about generational differences?
Focusing on life stages instead of generational differences is a better bet for effective people management
Thought leadership
Conflict at work: Has #MeToo made a difference?
Rachel Suff draws on key insights from CIPD’s latest research on conflict management to consider whether the #MeToo movement has changed workplace culture
Thought leadership
You’ve raised awareness, now what?
We often raise awareness about key issues like diversity and mental health work. But can raising awareness really change behaviour and tackle workplace issues?
Thought leadership
Creating and developing positive organisational cultures for learning and inclusion
Meaningful culture change means little if organisations have no sense of what they are striving for. We must understand what a positive culture actually looks like to most effectively enable positive change
Thought leadership
Infinity and beyond diversity
What’s the philosophical root of inclusion and what can we learn from this?
Thought leadership
Gender recognition: a complex and controversial issue
Ben Willmott gives an overview of the ongoing debate being had around proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act
Thought leadership
Pride month at the CIPD
Jill Miller talks about the work the CIPD have done over Pride month, and before, in support of the LGBT+ community and promoting equality
Thought leadership
Would a ban on NDAs help prevent harassment?
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, Rachel Suff tackles the nuances of non-disclosure agreements after numerous calls for them to be banned
Thought leadership
How can we shrink the disability employment gap?
Rachel Suff talks Disability Confident, line managers, and pay gaps in her latest Voice article
Thought leadership
Tackling racial disadvantages and discrimination in the workplace
The UK Prime Minister’s challenge to society to ‘explain or change’ ethnic disparities has put the topic of race in the spotlight. Claire McCartney recommends actions employers can take to address ethnic disparities in their organisations
Thought leadership
HR professionals – potential agents of change
The workplace is where the diversity of the UK comes together. While paddling upstream to make improvements, how can we get it ‘right’?
Thought leadership
Profiting from diversity: Inclusivity offers boost to businesses’ bottom line
Corporate policies that promote pro‐diversity cultures enhance future innovative efficiency. Researchers investigate how workforce diversity can enhance organisation value
Thought leadership
Why the future of diversity and inclusion was yesterday
What can we do to make it now?
Thought leadership
Shaping a future that is good
Peter Cheese, CEO at the CIPD, shares his views on how we can engage to shape a future that is good for all
Thought leadership
The authenticity trap
Explores the challenge for organisations and individuals – creating an environment where people bring the best version of themselves to contribute to the organisation
Thought leadership
Work needs to be a human experience
An interview with Sam Clark, MD for UK and Ireland HR at Accenture, about ditching performance ratings and why it’s important to focus on individuals

Podcasts

Listen to episodes from our podcast series on a range of topical workplace, HR and L&D issues.

Five Podcasts about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Podcast
Cultural intelligence - Getting smart to make inclusion work
Episode 192: Explore what cultural intelligence (CQ) is, and why it is critical to the success of organisations and individuals in a global age.
Podcast
Building inclusion… with computers
Improving inclusion and diversity in the workplace has been a critical focus for people professionals for some time, yet real progress appears slow or stagnant. Could technology be an unexpected friend in solving this very human issue?
Podcast
Challenging systemic racism at work
Episode 161: How does racism express itself in the modern workplace and what must organisations do to address systemic racism, to create truly fair and inclusive workplaces?
Podcast
Why is it so hard to talk about BAME?
Episode 137: We look at why organisations find it more difficult to talk about BAME diversity than gender diversity and HR’s role in supporting change.
Podcast
Unconscious bias
Episode 136: How biased are you? How unconscious bias plays into recruitment

Webinars

Webinar recordings providing expert guidance

14 Webinars about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Webinar
Supporting employees experiencing pregnancy or baby loss
Listen to our webinar to learn how to create an inclusive and stigma-free organisational framework to support employees experiencing pregnancy or baby loss
Webinar
Getting to grips with ethnicity pay reporting
Anti-racism stays on the agenda: How can HRDs make a strong case for voluntary ethnicity pay reporting and secure senior leadership buy-in?
Webinar
Anti-racism stays on the agenda
In this webinar series we tackle the key issues around creating a safe and inclusive workspace
Webinar
Managing multicultural teams
Watch our webinar to hear from a panel of UK and international experts how managers can positively influence culturally diverse teams, and how to successfully manage an increasingly hybrid workforce.
Webinar
Homeworking long-term
Watch our webinar discussing how people professionals can effectively support ongoing homeworking
Webinar
Building anti-racist and compassionate workplaces
Black HR professionals share their lived experiences and talk about the change that is needed to combat workplace racism.
Webinar
Effective employee networks
Setting up, supporting and developing effective employee resource groups on race
Webinar
Ethnicity pay gap reporting
Ethnicity pay gap reporting and what it means for organisations
Webinar
Securing long-term leadership commitment
Anti-racism stays on the agenda: Advice and strategies for getting anti-racism onto the board and leadership agenda
Webinar
Racism and the challenge for HR: Where next?
Watch the final webinar in this three-part series as Frank Douglas and Peter Cheese discuss the future for an inclusive workplace
Webinar
Creating a pro-inclusive leadership plan
Watch the second webinar in our three-part series as Frank Douglas and Dev Modi discuss how HR leaders can create a more inclusive workplace culture
Webinar
The history behind today's underrepresented workforce
Watch the first webinar in our three-part series, panelists discuss the history that's still influencing society’s systemic racism
Webinar
Diversity and inclusion through COVID-19
Watch our webinar panelists discussing how to ensure D&I remains on the agenda during times of crisis
Webinar
Leading through crisis
Watch our webinar on leading through crisis with Rupert McNeil, UK Government Chief People Officer, in conversation with Peter Cheese, CEO, CIPD

Evidence reviews

Evidence reviews enable you to ask the critical questions and use evidence for better decision-making.

Five Evidence reviews about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Evidence review
Retaining disadvantaged young people in work: An evidence review
Evidence-based insight and practical recommendations for creating jobs and inclusive workplaces where young people from marginalised backgrounds can thrive
For Members
Evidence review
Recruiting young people facing disadvantage: An evidence review
Evidence-based insight and practical recommendations for reaching, attracting and selecting young people from marginalised backgrounds
For Members
Evidence review
Flexible working, teleworking and diversity: An evidence review
Examine the evidence behind the claim that flexible working arrangements support inclusion and diversity
For Members
Evidence review
Building inclusive workplaces
Assessing the evidence on workplace inclusion
Evidence review
Diversity and inclusion at work: facing up to the business case
Our new report assesses the evidence on the outcomes of diversity at work and how organisations can tackle these to make work an equal business
For Members

Bitesize research

Your regular overview of current research, inspiring insights and cutting-edge ideas in bitesize

36 Bitesize research about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Bitesize research
The barriers to progression for women in finance
This article looks at reasons for the underrepresentation of women at board level in financial services
For Members
Bitesize research
The pressures on female early-career academics
A look at the pressures placed on female academics by the nature of employment contracts.
For Members
Bitesize research
Removing dates from CVs can help people return to work
Why focusing on years of experience could help reduce bias against returners
For Members
Bitesize research
What to expect from work meetings held in different cultures
A look at cultural differences in meeting processes and expectations
For Members
Bitesize research
Digital inclusion and inequality in the workplace
How does the increasing use and importance of social media influence inclusion and equality in workplaces?
For Members
Bitesize research
Gender diversity in leadership
Exploring the benefits of women in leadership and how to improve gender diversity in management
For Members
Bitesize research
Female leadership in higher education institutions
Exploring female leaders’ experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK 
For Members
Bitesize research
Can remote working close the disability employment gap?
Despite the advantages of increased home-working, people with disabilities are still missing out
For Members
Bitesize research
Including the excluded
How people professionals can break down barriers to workplace inclusion for people with disabilities
For Members
Bitesize research
Homeworking: A gendered career issue?
Flexible working arrangements challenge gender stereotypes of women in the workplace
For Members
Bitesize research
Does the job fit?
Understanding what influences the career choices of women from ethnic minority backgrounds
For Members
Bitesize research
Understanding why women opt out of corporate leadership
Focusing on authentic leadership encourages women leaders to remain in post
For Members
Bitesize research
What actually works in reducing workplace prejudice?
A systematic review summarises the best available evidence on building diverse and inclusive organisations
For Members
Bitesize research
Against the odds?
How do we identify our own social class and its impact on our success?
For Members
Bitesize research
Delivering inclusion and diversity from the top down
Using control measures for management when delivering I&D strategies
For Members
Bitesize research
Overrepresentation of men in senior positions
What do men make of their traditional overrepresentation in senior positions?
For Members
Bitesize research
Does your diversity strategy measure up?
Using insights from interviews with over 20 chief diversity officers within large organisations, these authors highlight how workforce data can be used to inform diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the importance of doing so.
For Members
Bitesize research
Female representation in male dominated industries
The case of an online women’s mentoring platform
For Members
Bitesize research
The role of women’s networks in gender equality
Supporting women’s networks in promoting workforce diversity
For Members
Bitesize research
Avoiding unintended consequences from diversity initiatives
Ensuring real progress from diversity initiatives
For Members
Bitesize research
The real barriers to female progression
What is really holding women back?
For Members
Bitesize research
Traditional attitudes on gender and work
Do women hold less traditional views on gender than men?
For Members
Bitesize research
Women versus capitalism: Why women can’t have it all in a free market economy
Exploring the economics of workplace gender inequality
For Members
Bitesize research
Ensuring ethnic diversity at the top of organisations
Are FTSE organisations on track to meet their diversity targets?
For Members
Bitesize research
Diversity management practices and employee outcomes
Explore the link between employee outcomes and diversity management
For Members
Bitesize research
Can commuting time explain the gender pay gap?
Discover the factors contributing to the gender pay gap
For Members
Bitesize research
The treatment of disabled employees
Explore this research review on disability at work
For Members
Bitesize research
Ticking a box or valuing difference: leader perspectives on D&I
Explore the factors that influence an approach to D&I at work
For Members
Bitesize research
Elitist Britain?
Explore the make-up of Britain’s elite professions
For Members
Bitesize research
Diversity at the top
Find out how to develop diverse leadership teams
For Members
Bitesize research
Ethnic bias in recruitment
Explore how ethnic bias can affect recruitment
For Members
Bitesize research
Workplace disability discrimination
Explore the disadvantages disabled employees face
For Members
Bitesize research
A woman’s work: lessons in gender equality from Norway
Explore how Norway is leading the way
For Members
Bitesize research
Retaining an ageing workforce
Explore the impact of cutting-edge HR practices in retaining older workers
For Members
Bitesize research
Faith in the workplace
Find out how to incorporate all beliefs in the workplace
Bitesize research
Using AI to promote inclusive organisations
Discover how AI can create more inclusive organisations
For Members

CIPD Viewpoints

Our collected point of view on the key issues impacting work, from the perspective of employers and policy makers.

Two CIPD Viewpoints about Equality, diversity and inclusion
CIPD Viewpoint
Religion and belief
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on religion and belief, including actions for Government and recommendations for employers
CIPD Viewpoint
Race inclusion in the workplace
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on race inclusion in the workplace, including recommendations for employers

Policy engagements

Our calls for action.

Six Policy engagements about Equality, diversity and inclusion
Policy engagement
CIPD Manifesto for Good Work
We’re calling on the UK Government to create a long-term workforce strategy centred on skilled, healthy and fair work
Policy engagement
Sexism in the City: an inquiry into barriers faced by women in finance
Read our response to the Treasury Select Committee’s inquiry on sexism in the financial services industry
Policy engagement
Ethnic disparities and inequality in the UK: call for evidence
Read the submission to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities
Policy engagement
Disability Employment Gap
Read the CIPD's submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee
Policy engagement
Ethnicity pay reporting
Read the CIPD's submission to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy
Policy engagement
Employment opportunities for Muslims in the UK
Read the CIPD's response to the Women and Equality Select Committee Inquiry

Learning

We offer a range of evidence-based courses tailored to suit you and your needs.
Our Essential Insights courses are free as part of the CIPD membership.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential Insights

Learn and use critical thinking strategies when analysing information and data sources to improve decision-making, judgement and to find the best solution.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Accredited Programme

Create inclusive working environments and a culture of trust where individuals have a sense of belonging and feel empowered to reach their potential.

All CIPD Learning courses

Visit our
Learning shop

Choose from our extensive range of topics and learning options 

Find a course
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CIPD Update

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- Exclusive invitations to our free networking events, webinars, information sessions, focus groups and HR/L&D roundtables. 

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