Forward thinking employers want their partners and organisations providing services on their behalf to share the same values as they do. Barclays have set clear standards to ensure suppliers work within their Diversity and Inclusion framework and support them to develop their equalities credentials.
Barclays provide prospective suppliers with a Corporate Responsibility questionnaire as part of the pre-qualification process which includes a set of criteria covering equality and diversity. If risks are identified, supplier managers work with the organisation to develop an improvement plan. Applicants that do not demonstrate an appropriate approach to LGB inclusion would be refused the contract.
In addition to setting minimum standards for equality practice, Barclays recognise that some services present an opportunity to improve diversity practice among suppliers. In particular, the bank held a number of workshops and training sessions with their partner recruitment agencies. Under the theme of ‘Diverse Slates’, the event explored practical actions for recruitment agencies to attract the widest possible range of candidates – regardless of their background.
The bank encourages partners to emphasise Barclays’ commitment to diversity to their candidates, by providing agencies with regular updates on the inclusion work they undertake. They asked recruitment partners to promote opportunities using websites and job boards that target minority groups. They also require agencies to improve the collection of candidates’ demographic data to track the progression of diverse applicants.