In a radio discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, a journalist asked me which year these schemes started in the UK. I felt thrown by the question. It assumed that the broad array of initiatives associated with DEI, including policies, training programmes, themed events and staff networks, had an inception date. I responded, as I often do: “It’s complicated.”
DEI schemes are facing significant challenges. In the USA, president Donald Trump has used executive orders to terminate initiatives across federal agencies. Some private companies, including those with headquarters in the UK, have also seized on this moment to cut these commitments.
