Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility

The IDEA standard was developed by Kathy Clements in association with Assent Risk Management with the aim of helping businesses support all employees and other relevant persons, raise awareness and understanding, and accommodate diverse needs. 

For organisations of all kinds, there are ramifications for not taking responsibility and ensuring they accommodate individual needs – not just legal, but also in terms of reputation, commercial factors, workplace culture, and to the detriment of their employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. 

The shift began in 2010 when the Equality Act was enshrined into law, bringing together a number of existing equality laws and identifying nine protected characteristics:

• age,
• disability, 
• gender reassignment, 
• marriage and civil partnership, 
• pregnancy and maternity, 
• race, 
• religion or belief, 
• sex, 
• sexual orientation

The Equality Act made the legal framework much easier to understand, and prohibits discrimination and harassment in various areas, including employment, public services, and education.

Further new laws have been in discussion by the UK Government since 2024, and workplace attitudes and culture is beginning to shift towards a more acceptable, enriching, and comfortable environment. 

This standard is designed to not only support individuals already in employment whose work lives could be improved, but also help businesses become good potential employers for those who have struggled to find employment due to the stigmas and stereotypes attached to disability, neurodiversity, and the fear of “reasonable adjustments”.

Verified by Nickola Webb of the Royal Holloway University. 

How Does IDEA Work?

The IDEA Scheme consists of three stages:

• The IDEA Standard – A framework document outlining the standard in clear sections relating to specific aspects of your organisation
• Implementation – Putting in place the processes, policies, awareness, and other actions required to fulfil the terms of the IDEA standard to the best of your ability. Guidance Notes and a Template Pack are available for purchase to assist you with this.
• Assessment and Pledge Mark [optional] – If you wish to receive the IDEA Scheme pledge mark to display, there is an optional annual assessment which can be completed via your IDEA Mark Portal.

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