MCA STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ARTICLES ON UNCONCSIOUS BIAS TRAINING IN THE CONSULTING INDUSTRY

Responding to recent articles about unconscious bias training in the consulting industry, Tamzen Isacsson, Chief Executive of the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) said:

 “As leading consulting firms, our members respect and embrace diversity and inclusion and understand the importance of people from different backgrounds working for our companies and clients. We are committed to ensuring consulting as a career is accessible for all and that the principles of diversity and inclusivity are adopted by all firms in the sector and that greater progress is being made towards achieving these goals, backed by data. For several years unconscious bias training has been a core part of diversity programmes in firms and huge amounts of time and effort have been invested in ensuring staff receive training to support our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Unconscious bias training is one of many techniques, tools and training courses which are used by firms to ensure they are improving staff awareness and understanding of difference and creating a more inclusive environment where difference is valued, respected and celebrated at all levels.”

 “The well-being of the consulting sector’s staff and clients has been the number one priority for firms during recent lockdowns as evidenced by the high priority given to enhanced staff wellbeing programmes and this best practice has been shared across the sector at industry events over the past year. Staff experiencing personal wellbeing issues and selfisolation have been given extensive support and office space has been made available, where it is critically necessary, for those that cannot work from home. Furthermore, firms have introduced flexible working and special leave to assist staff with caring responsibilities. Respecting the difficulties society, our clients and our staff are facing during these unprecedented times is of paramount importance.