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Positive action programmes

Building inclusive excellence through positive action

Research shows that disadvantaged groups have less opportunity for development at work.

Positive Action Programmes are designed to change that.

Proactively create opportunities for disadvantaged talent in your business.

Shine a light on hidden talent.

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Positive action programmes

Under the Equality Act 2010, positive action is a range of measures that can be lawfully taken to encourage people from particular groups to help them overcome disadvantages they may face when competing with other applicants.

Our Positive Action Programmes are designed to proactively address barriers and promote inclusivity for each protected group within your organisation.

Attracting a diverse pool of talent is crucial for organisational success. Positive Action Programmes can help you to champion disadvantaged talent in the workplace.

Speak with a business psychologist

What is a Positive action programme?

When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, Positive Action Programmes are a great example of leading with equity.

It’s about ensuring there are opportunities for disadvantaged groups and minimising that disadvantage in the workplace.

Research shows us that people in these groups have less opportunity at work to develop in a multitude of ways, such as through feedback, sponsors and mentorships.

Positive Action Programmes are about trying to level the playing field, by creating opportunities for individuals in disadvantaged groups to access invaluable feedback, developmental opportunities to build on their skills, and showcase their strengths.

Taking positive action can take different shapes and forms and may take the form of development centres, leadership skills training programmes and workshops, or impact competencies and recruitment procedures.

The benefits of positive action schemes for your organisation

There are a number of reasons why organisations may wish to embark upon a Positive Action initiative.
It could be an integral part of your DEI strategy or something you are looking to action following a DEI audit.

You may have recognised a lack of diversity at senior levels of the business, had feedback from underrepresented staff that there aren’t enough opportunities for development or progression, or could be seeking to address an issue with the underrepresentation of specific groups in your business.

Whatever your requirements, we’ll work with you to create a process that reduces disadvantage when it comes to protected characteristics without creating an advantage or disadvantage to any other groups.

Our Positive Action Programmes help level out the playing field, meaning you benefit from the identification and progression of the top talent in your organisation.

Pearn Kandola positive action programmes

Our Positive Action Programmes are designed by our experienced business psychologists to address your unique organisational goals.

Depending on your needs, they may include:

Development centres

We can incorporate Positive Action into your development centres. Spots within the development centres would be ring fenced for individuals from disadvantaged groups, to ensure access within a competitive programme.

As with all of our Development Centres, they are designed to ensure there is no bias or advantage so that all candidates are assessed fairly.

Future leadership/skills development programmes

We craft bespoke positive action programmes that focus on providing opportunities that disadvantaged groups specifically lack within the workplace.

These could be competitive programmes where individuals are nominated or apply, and incorporate mentorship, sponsorship and leadership coaching.

Depending on your needs and budgets, we can include psychologist-led workshops on areas such as networking, managing impact, influencing people, and more – or provide access to our award-winning iLead digital tools.

Competencies and recruitment

Our Inclusive Recruitment experts can help to incorporate positive action into your competency frameworks and recruitment processes, to ensure your employees and candidates are assessed on a level playing field.

Why choose Pearn Kandola?

We know all too well the benefits of a more diverse workforce to organisations, such as 2.5x higher cash flow diverse companies earn per employee, or the 87% of time that diverse teams make better decisions.

Positive Action programmes are targeted, effective ways of helping to create equity within your organisation, minimising the disadvantage experienced by specific groups so that everyone has the opportunity to progress and thrive.

We’ve worked with organisations around the globe, from world-leading tech companies to government departments to deliver Positive Action Programmes that address their needs.

Get in touch with us to see what we can do to help support the development of underrepresented talent in your organisation.

Free consultation with a business psychologist

Looking to make a positive change through positive action in your workplace?

Shine a light on hidden talent and support the development of your next generation of leaders and trailblazers.

Book an Appointment

Louise Weston, Partner

20 years’ experience

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