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Testimonial
Levelling the playing field, ensuring that the best people are in the best jobs also makes for better business. When you are in a highly competitive service industry, in a society where gender inequality is fast becoming a core value, it makes absolute sense to pursue gender equality in the workplace - it would be nothing more than a dereliction of duty not to go after the fastest growing customer base
Chief Executive, Barclays (launching our research "The Business of Diversity")
Schneider Ross > Global Diversity Network (GDN)

Global Diversity Network (GDN): What We Do

In April 2000 we facilitated a two-day meeting of leading multinationals in BP’s London boardroom to discuss the challenges and opportunities of trying to take a global approach to diversity. It was early days in terms of organisations moving beyond a country-specific approach and there was a real joy in getting together with colleagues who were taking similarly ambitious approaches.

Although the original intention was for this to be a one off meeting, there was real energy around the table to continue meeting in a similar way. Over the last decade global companies operating in widely differing markets have learned how individual, cultural and organisation’s differences affect their ability to deliver results. Understanding how to operate successfully and respectfully across all kinds of difference is a critical competency for high-performing companies. Future success will demand inclusive attitudes and behaviours which embrace diversity whether: in the future workforce; customers in new growth markets; regional joint venture partners or local host communities.

Barclays, BP, BT, Cadbury, Cable & Wireless, Convergys, Deutsche Bank, Dow Chemicals, Kodak, KPMG, Kraft, National Australia Bank, Nokia, PepsiCo, PMI, Altria, Schlumberger, Starbucks, Shell, Tyco, Unilever and Vodafone have all played an active part in network activities.

THE NETWORK’S STRENGTHS

  • The trusted, intimate and in-depth exchange of information between leaders in diversity

  • The collaboration and shared resources in tackling common challenges

  • Practical 'takeaway' ideas - things that have been tried out in peer organisations

  • Peer-to-peer support - someone to talk to who faces similar challenges

  • Access to research and consultancy through Schneider-Ross and partner organisations


    • THE FUTURE

    OUT: fixed programme of activities covered by single calendar and budget

    IN: independent leading-edge projects with their own deliverables, commitments, timeline & budget. Annual membership fee of £600, plus individual project fees

    BENEFITS OF NEW APPROACH

  • Members will be able to focus on areas/topics of high interest to themselves

  • Continue to work with other leading organisations committed to making progress on diversity wherever they operate in the world

  • Involvement in leading-edge research on the state of best practice related to the chosen project

  • Access (for the project) to global consultancy expertise at a Not For Profit rate


    • WHAT THE MEMBERS THINK

    "(The GDN) has been invaluable for us to build a good sense of what other companies are doing on diversity, and to learn from others' experiences as well as our own"

    “What I like so much about the network is the opportunity to get to a level of honesty never achieved at a standard conference. It’s also inspirational to learn about other’s success in the field. This isn’t easy stuff to deal with – the network has been genuinely helpful to me and my business.”

    “Other networks provide resources which are useful but with the GDN it’s the candour of other members in our discussions that is really unique”

    “It’s a unique group of professionals and peers”

    “Both GDN and Schneider~Ross are leading edge”

    Member companies describe some of the Network's tangible benefits as:

  • Trusted and in-depth exchange of information between leaders in diversity

  • Collaboration and shared resources in tackling common challenges

  • Practical 'takeaway' ideas - things that have been tried out in peer organisations

  • Peer-to-peer support - someone to talk to who faces similar challenges

  • Access to research and consultancy through Schneider-Ross and partner organisations


    • If you are interested in what you have read and would like to talk to someone further, please contact Freddie Alves on +44 (0)1264 882 400 or click here to email him.