2 Professional tools
In order to take your diversity and inclusion agenda forward, you will need to have a strategy. But before you create your diversity and inclusion strategy, you will need a vision to work towards. The strategy then outlines the different actions that will help you to achieve that vision.
A vision statement also plays an important role in communicating your intention to both staff and customers.
Writing your diversity vision statement
Most organisations will have a vision statement somewhere prominent on their website, and many have now devised a specific diversity statement.
Kelly (2024) has spent some time collecting examples of good diversity statements from a number of well known companies. Although some of those statements have been updated since the article was first written, the author usefully highlights the common attributes of a good statement:
- the main statement is 20–75 words in length
- a headline is used to help the message stand out
- they are easily readable, i.e. the language used does not include complex business jargon
- they use short sentences
- there are lots of positive words, e.g. empower, purpose, improve, authentic
Verlinden & Garcia (2025) offer some examples of good practice (up to date at the time of writing):
Be Yourself – whoever you are…
At Virgin Atlantic, our purpose is to empower everyone to take on the world. Our vision is to be the most loved travel company. To achieve both, we focus on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Where our people, customers, partners and communities are united, and diverse groups are represented. An environment that values and respects each individual’s unique identity and inspires pride in being part of the Virgin Atlantic family.
All. Together.
At Apple, we create a culture of collaboration where different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives come together to make something magical and meaningful. A culture with a North Star of dignity, respect, and opportunity for everyone. Because we’re not all the same. And that remains one of our greatest strengths.
Diverse and inclusive workplace
LEGO® play is for everyone, and so is our workplace. We aim to create an environment where people from different backgrounds and cultures feel welcome and valued and can succeed and grow together.
If you followed the links, you’ll have seen that many organisations share this statement on a wider webpage, incorporating stories, data and links to relevant reports or policies.
It is also important that the diversity statement aligns with, and is informed by, the overall vision and strategy for the organisation.
Activity 5 Researching diversity statements
Use your preferred search engine to research the diversity statements of businesses that are closely aligned with the organisation you work for (or the one you have chosen to focus on in these activities). Make notes on what you like or dislike about them.
Referring to your notes, choose which diversity statement(s) you plan to align with or aspire to.
Comment
If you are a small business, you may find that similar small businesses don’t currently share diversity statements on their websites.
But even if you don’t employ a large number of staff, and feel you can communicate your message to them in other ways – communicating your vision for diversity more publicly will make you more attractive to a diverse audience during any future recruitment. Signs of commitment to this agenda are also something that clients and customers are increasingly looking out for.
In the next section, you’ll start to look at key aspects of writing your strategy.