Session 2: Nurture diverse talent through learning and development

Diverse representation slows at manager/c-suite level, and organisations are losing talent due to inequitable career pathways. Experiences at work determine feelings of belonging. If employees feel valued and included, they are far more likely to become engaged and remain so. When employees are engaged in workplace learning and activities, they are typically more motivated and able to do their best work.

Around 12.5% of the UK population are from ethnic minority backgrounds – yet they hold just 6% of top management positions (McGregor-Smith Review 2017). This requires training, supporting further education, and being accommodating and flexible in workplace policies. This is in addition to offering transparent and fair promotion processes, representation in decision making, and a healthy and supportive workplace environment.

A recent report from The Open University and TrainingZone, L&D’s role in employee wellbeing, found that investing in staff training and development improves employee engagement and further helps providing staff with a career path for the future.

It’s really important that our workforce represents the communities that we serve.

For example, a lot of our nursing apprentices were existing staff who could have never afforded to give up work and go back to university and do the traditional route. Now via the degree apprenticeship they’re getting the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and more importantly, helping us with our workforce critical needs.
Panellist: Lucy Hunte
National Programme Manager, NHS England