Mott MacDonald has achieved the National Equality Standard, the UK’s highest benchmark for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Sponsored by EY and developed by business for business, the National Equality Standard sets clear equality, diversity and inclusion criteria, against which companies are independently assessed. It is supported by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, UK Home Office and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Between September 2019 and March 2020, EY assessors reviewed Mott MacDonald’s policies and practises against 35 competencies covering all aspects of diversity. EY looked at HR, recruitment, learning and development, and business practices as well as assessing documentation and speaking to staff.
To achieve the National Equality Standard, Mott MacDonald worked throughout 2020 on new plans to deliver equality diversity and inclusion goals, including piloting an 'Achieve or Explain' process to support diversity in interview shortlists.
Cathy Travers, Mott MacDonald’s regional general manager for Europe , said “I’m delighted that we have attained the National Equality Standard, demonstrating our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We were dedicated to achieving this and pleased that EY also recognised our work on mental health and wellbeing as well as the positive efforts made in attracting diverse talent across the board.”
Arun Batra, EY Partner and CEO of the National Equality Standard, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarding Mott MacDonald with the National Equality Standard. The hard work that is being undertaken and the obvious commitment that they have demonstrated right from the top of the business is something which they should be very proud of. Throughout the assessment we were particularly impressed by their focus on talent attraction approaches, initiatives to support positive mental health and leadership within the sector. Congratulations to Mott MacDonald and to all those who were involved throughout the process – it is a great achievement.”
Simon Feeke, EY Director and lead assessor for the National Equality Standard, said: “Mott MacDonald have demonstrated tremendous progress in embedding their diversity and inclusion ambition right through their business and HR processes with mechanisms for continuous review and measurement of progress. The Advance network is the organisation’s engine of change which is supported by a host of committed and engaged senior leaders who take ownership of making improvements.”