The Management Consultancies Association (MCA) has launched the second in a series of toolkits aimed at improving the diversity and inclusion of the Consulting Sector. The latest guidance focuses on recruitment in the employee journey and follows the first toolkit on attracting diverse talent which has been downloaded over 800 times.
The toolkit covers a series of principles that firms need to consider including using inclusive language throughout the process, anonymising applications, and eliminating bias from recruitment and assessment processes via training. In addition, the toolkit examines the importance of data to track demographics across all stages of the recruitment process and judge where interventions might be necessary. Case studies have been included from a number of MCA member firms including Atkins, KPMG and Eden McCallum.
Tamzen Isacsson, Chief Executive of the Management Consultancies Association, said:
“The MCA continues to champion diversity and inclusion in the sector and members are focused on collaborating together to share best practice and experience. To achieve greater progress across our sector our pace of change must accelerate faster. I hope this toolkit helps firms on that journey.”
The toolkit also examines how to ensure an inclusive candidate experience during the final stages of recruiting a candidate – including interviews and associated assessments. At EY for example, all interviewers must complete ‘interview without bias’ training prior to being able to interview candidates while BCS Consulting and Eden McCallum stress the importance of diverse interview panels made up of a variety of people throughout the organisation. Deloitte have implemented school and university blind recruitment with interviews and recruiters not having access to details of the applicants’ school or university until after an offer has been made.
Gita Singham-Willis, Chair of the MCA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, added:
“This toolkit aims to help member firms improve the design and implementation of their D&I strategies and programmes. Our members have brought together examples of best practice, fresh ideas and guidance to be shared across out membership. As part of the MCA’s Consulting Excellence principles, MCA member firms are committed to diversity and inclusion within their workforce.”
Following the toolkits on Attraction and Recruitment, the MCA will be producing further ones on Onboarding, Retention and Development. It comes as the latest MCA research revealed that there was a 14% increase in headcount in 2021 with strong growth in the number of school leavers, apprentices and graduates joining the consulting profession. The gender and ethnicity breakdown of consultants remained broadly unchanged and progress in this area remains a key focus for member firms, ensuring that opportunities for development are accessible to all employees and gender and ethnic diversity is reflected in the most senior positions at consultancy firms.
For further information on the MCA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and how to access the toolkit, please go to Diversity and Inclusion Working Group – MCA