Commentary and insights

All items: Diversity and inclusion

  • Why the EU's adoption of the Women on Boards directive matters

    Date:
    10 January 2023

    Last October, the Council of the EU adopted the Women on Boards directive, which is aimed at improving the gender imbalance among directors and those in senior roles in listed companies. The UK should take note despite Brexit, writes Fieldfisher's head of employment, Ranjit Dhindsa.

  • Intersectionality in the context of diversity and inclusion: what is it and why is it so important?

    Date:
    7 November 2022

    Georgie Williams explains intersectionality, how it might play out in the workplace and how adopting an intersectional approach can make your diversity and inclusion practices more effective.

  • HR talking point: Are non-binary employees protected from discrimination at work?

    Date:
    17 August 2022

    The language of the Equality Act 2010 around gender reassignment discrimination can now seem outdated and raises questions over exactly who the Act covers. XpertHR senior employment law editor Susie Munro looks at the extent of the protection provided to employees who identify as non-binary or gender fluid.

  • Preventing bullying and harassment: Five reasonable steps for employers to take

    Date:
    15 August 2022

    Under the Equality Act 2010, an employer can escape liability for acts of discrimination committed by its staff where it has taken "all reasonable steps" to prevent the discrimination. What steps should employers take to reduce the risk of liability for bullying and harassment committed by their workforce in the course of employment?

  • HR talking point: Why equality, diversity and inclusion training matters

    Date:
    15 August 2022

    XpertHR principal employment law editor Stephen Simpson argues that the blithe devaluing of equality, diversity and inclusion training by senior government figures fails to take account of the practical and legal benefits that such training brings for employers, especially if they are facing an employment tribunal.

  • HR talking point: Developing case law on expressing gender-critical beliefs at work

    Date:
    10 August 2022

    Two recent high-profile rulings have something important to say about direct religion or belief discrimination. However, both deal with a controversial topic - how an employer should deal with an employee who does not accept its approach to trans rights - so it is easy to miss that lying behind the controversy an important legal principle is being fought over, says consultant editor Darren Newman.

  • Why hiring Ukrainian refugees sets a precedent for a fairer future

    Date:
    21 June 2022

    UK employers have rushed to source Ukrainian talent displaced by war, keen to help them rebuild their lives, as well as access their skills in a tight labour market. Could this usher in a fairer future for all refugees, writes Mursal Hedayat?

  • Hybrid working: Six examples of reasonable adjustments for disabled workers

    Date:
    6 May 2022

    Employers that are operating under a hybrid working model must ensure that their working arrangements are inclusive, including making reasonable adjustments to the model for disabled workers. We set out six examples of potential reasonable adjustments for hybrid workers.

  • Brain fog: The menopause symptom impacting women at work

    Date:
    4 May 2022

    A recent TV special highlighting the challenges of menopause showed the difficulties faced by many women around "brain fog" at work. Kathy Abernethy looks at how employers can support female employees to thrive through education and awareness.

  • How can HR use "microlearning" to maximise the impact of D&I training?

    Date:
    21 March 2022

    For many people, properly understanding diversity and inclusion (D&I), and learning to navigate D&I issues in a business context, can be overwhelming. Stuart Affleck, Director at D&I consultants Brook Graham from Pinsent Masons Vario, looks at how "microlearning" can help staff retain their D&I training.

About this category

Commentary and insights: HR and legal information and guidance relating to diversity and inclusion.