The role in brief:
The Head of Diversity and Inclusion will lead the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in support of the company’s strategic plan to create a culture of inclusion where everyone feels respected and valued. This role will work closely with senior leadership to ensure that DEI strategies are integrated into all aspects of the agency.
Working with:
- Internal: Across the agency; Agency senior management, all agency staff and managers; HR and Talent Acquisition teams.
- External: CPD vendors and suppliers, consultants and advisors, industry peers and networks, government and regulatory bodies. Also academic and research institutions. Sometimes clients.
Responsible for:
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive DEI strategy that aligns with the agency’s mission, vision, and values. This involves providing leadership and guidance to senior management on DEI matters. It often includes establishing and chairing a DEI committee to drive initiatives and monitor progress and/or setting up and supporting employee-led interest groups, for example on neurodiversity.
- Reviewing and revising company policies to ensure they promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Developing and implementing programmes and initiatives that support a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Designing and delivering training programs to educate everyone in the agency on DEI topics. This may involve clients too. Providing coaching and support to managers and employees on DEI issues.
- In partnership with HR and Talent Acquistion teams, developing strategies to attract, recruit, and retain a diverse workforce. Ensuring that DEI principles are integrated into recruitment, onboarding, and retention processes.
- Engaging the agency with the wider community in which it operates. Building and maintaining relationships with external organisations, schools and colleges and communities to support DEI initiatives.
- Representing the company at DEI-related events and forums. This may involve presenting research and public speaking.
- Keeping up to date with research into the role that successful diversity strategies play in business success. For example the series of McKinsey Diversity Matters reports.
- Monitoring and reporting to measure the effectiveness of DEI initiatives. This includes establishing metrics which best demonstrate the effects of DEI practices. Reporting regularly on progress and outcomes to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Those who succeed are:
- Good at thinking strategically and using imagination to question entrenched beliefs. They will understand the value of lived experience and be good listeners.
- Able to manage multiple projects and priorities, with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development in DEI for themselves and for colleagues and management.
- Comfortable with persuading and influencing other people to change their views. This involves excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, including public speaking.
- Able to influence and build relationships at all levels of the agency and with outside bodies.
Where they come from, and where they go…
They will often have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, although this is by no means mandatory. They will usually have experience in a leadership role within the advertising, education or related industries and have a track record of being able to influence and persuade others. Sometimes they have previous experience in a diversity and inclusion role, but would in any case need a strong understanding of DEI principles and best practices.
They will usually move on to similar but larger, roles or senior positions in other agencies or companies. Sometimes this role is part of a developing career in HR, Talent Acquisition or other management.