Diversity remains a tick-box activity rather than a strategic imperative, according to research just published by the CIPD.

A survey of employers showed the main reason (68%) HR professionals introduced a diversity policy was so they satisfied their ‘legal obligations'.
 
The report shows 71% of employers do not build diversity objectives into business strategy and less than a third (30%) have a budget for diversity management.
 
In addition 60% do not consider diversity in marketing, product development and customer relations. Most only considered it while recruiting and retaining staff.
 
Dianah Worman, diversity adviser at the CIPD, said: "By building a workforce that reflects the society it operates in, organisations will be able to evaluate and understand exactly how best to deliver a product or service. The current lack of joined up thinking is letting business performance down."