Diversity Works for London

DWfL engages with businesses to produce a step change in their diversity practices, achieving a London where they harness the benefits of a diverse workforce, marketplace and supplier base and provide all Londoners with equal life chances. DWfL is a key centre of diversity expertise for London’s businesses, and seeks to continue to provide them with good practice standards and support on all aspects of diversity to enhance their business performance and improve their diversity practices.

At the core of the programme, DWfL has designed, developed and introduced into the marketplace the DWfL Gold Standard Diversity System. This comprises:

• The Gold Standards – a comprehensive set of exemplary E&D practices addressing all aspects of business performance including the workforce, workplace, marketplace and suppliers. There are two versions, one for SMEs comprising 24 standards, and one for large enterprises with 36 standards.
  
• The Gold Standard Diversity Toolkit – a practical online tool that allows organisations to systematically review their businesses’ Diversity practices and performances against best practice, receive guidance and advice where gaps exist, and formulate a strategic plan of action to enhance their E&D practices and business performance.
  
• Gold Standard Diversity Accreditation – to validate attainment of the Gold level and provide public recognition.
  
• Business support – additional advice and support to develop, monitor and implement action plans to achieve the Gold Standard.

In addition, the DWfL programme offers businesses:

• Management of a comprehensive online diversity toolkit detailing good practice standards covering the six equality strands. 
•  Interactive website with an online self assessment tool, supplemented with advice and practical guides.
• Business support products and validation of attainment of Gold level.
• Clear articulation of the business case for diversity.
• A sector specific, business focussed marketing and events programme.
• Producing and continually updating a detailed evidence base.
• Case studies of good practice within small, medium and large private sector businesses.
• Practical support for supplier diversity initiatives.

The programme and the Gold Standards have received the public endorsement of numerous organisations including Pearsons, KPMG, Ernst & Young, Deloittes, BT, LloydsTSB, Shell, Wates, London First, Siemens, Faber Maunsell, Berwin Leighton Paisner, Bechtel, and the Federation of Small Businesses.