Research shows that diverse and inclusive companies are likely to outperform those less diverse. A structured approach guided by standards like ISO 30415 helps any company advance and make businesses and people thrive.

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Diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) is a topic rising on many corporate agendas. Internal and external scrutiny is increasing and there is increasing awareness of the business case for DE&I. Research shows that organizations embracing inclusivity are eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes. Companies with more diverse leadership teams report higher innovation revenue.

Companies committed to integrate DE&I into how they do business have much to gain from a structured approach. National and international reference standards, such as ISO 30415, can guide any company on their journey to deliver on their commitment to D&I, develop and inclusive organization and improve performance.

As DE&I is fast becoming a stakeholder requirement, companies are forced to move with more structure and provide evidence of their performance.

What are the reference standards

There are multiple national standards on DE&I. Some of these address specific areas in DE&I, like

• Norwegian Standard NS 1120:2018 “Diversity Management System”
• Italian Standard UNI/PdR 125:2022 “Gender Equality Management System“

In 2021, the ISO 30415 - International Standard about “Human resource management — Diversity and inclusion” standard was published. The benefit of the international standard is that it is recognized across boarders and can be applied by companies all over the world. ISO 30415 is a guideline, which helps to develop an inclusive workplace requiring an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I), addressing inequalities in organizational systems, policies, processes and practices.

The D&I prerequisites are fundamental to implementing the guidance in this document, demonstrating commitment to D&I and developing an inclusive organization:

• Recognizing diversity
• Governing effectively
• Acting accountably
• Working inclusively
• Communicating inclusively
• Advocating and championing D&I

The standard is relevant to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• (5) Gender Equality
• (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth
• (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• (10) Reduced Inequality and is guided by the principles of human rights at work.

ISO 30415 supports organizations to enclose D&I in their workplaces by providing guidance and methods on:

• prerequisites for demonstrating ongoing commitment to D&I
• accountabilities and responsibilities for D&I
• approaches to valuing diversity and fostering development of an inclusive workplace; and
• identifying D&I objectives, opportunities and risks, actions, measures, outcomes and impacts.

The document applies to the human resource management life cycle, the delivery of products and services, supply chain relationships, and relationships with external stakeholders to ensure equity, fairness and equality.

Benefits of a scored evaluation

Assessing the impact of your DE&I efforts provides a tangible measure of your performance.  DNV’s DE&I assessment against ISO 30415 or any other reference standard measures your company’s approach to the principles and methods set forth in the standard.

Against ISO 30415, the scored assessment is carried out considering the 7 Principles Areas into which the guideline is divided:

• Accountabilities and responsibilities
• D&I framework
• Inclusive culture
• Human resource management life cycle
• Products and services — design, development and delivery
• Procurement and supply chain relationships
• External stakeholder relationships

Each area principle is evaluated by assigning a variable score with respect to the assessed level of principle fulfilment. The score will determine the "as-is" status of the organization. At the end of the process, an Evaluation Report is issued. An additional statement will be issued for companies meeting a defined minimum score of each area. The statement issued on a public blockchain for trusted, traceable sharing with stakeholders. 

Demonstrate internally and externally that you are working to develop and assure a diverse and inclusive working environment, driving organizational and business benefits.

Getting started

Obtain and understand the standard before starting to apply the guidance principles to your organizational systems, policies, processes and practices. The scored evaluation will support your journey by identifying what works well and where you may have gaps to be closed.

DNV is as a third-party certification body and can help you throughout your DE&I journey, from awareness training for managers and a foundation course based on ISO 30415 to self-assessment tools and a DE&I assessment. Provide proof to your stakeholders on your DE&I commitment and performance.