Introduction

Global Equality Standard

The Global Equality Standard (GES) is a comprehensive assessment framework which provides an in-depth diagnostic of all aspects of DE&I and sets out clear strategic recommendations and a detailed action plan for improvement. The GES forms part of a family of Equality Standards and sits alongside the National and Supplier Equality Standard, powered by EY. There are now over 400 organisations who have engaged with the frameworks globally.

The GES framework is universal and increasingly being applied internationally by world leading brands. The GES takes into account the nuances of each culture across the globe including external socio-political environment, legislative and regulatory requirements, permissibility of demographic data collection, cultural views and norms and external/industry levels of DE&I maturation and best practice.

Framework summary

What is within the updated GES assessment framework?

  • 1.Core components of DE&I

    1. 1.1Inclusive culture
    2. 1.2Regulations & reporting
    3. 1.3Policies & practices
    4. 1.4Targeted training
    5. 1.5Communications
  • 2.Your people

    1. 2.1Feedback, grievances & whistleblowing
    2. 2.2Health & wellbeing
    3. 2.3Flexible & agile working
    4. 2.4Adjustments & accessibility
    5. 2.5Caring responsibilities
  • 3.Your talent

    1. 3.1Talent attraction
    2. 3.2Recruitment & onboarding
    3. 3.3Approasial & performance monitoring
    4. 3.4Career progression
  • 4.Your business

    1. 4.1Strategy
    2. 4.2Business case
    3. 4.3Governance
    4. 4.4Setting priorities
  • 5.Your leadership

    1. 5.1Commitment & accountability
    2. 5.2Visibility & messaging
    3. 5.3Inclusive leadership
    4. 5.4Middle management
  • 6.Your relationships

    1. 6.1Social & community impact
    2. 6.2Supplier relationships
    3. 6.3Stakeholder insight
    4. 6.4Human rights & modern slavery
  • 7.Review and measurement

    1. 7.1Pay equity
    2. 7.2Data analysis
    3. 7.3Implementation
    4. 7.4Measuring impact (equality impact)

The benefits

How the GES can help

The GES framework supports global organisations understand minimum standards and assess regional compliance in alignment with global DE&I principles. It facilitates the adoption of leading DE&I practices and benchmarks against peer organisations to measure current maturity and progress based on our established model.

  • Meticulous

    Provides detailed, specific and bespoke recommendations

  • Inclusive

    Industry agnostic - relevant & applicable regardless of sector and size

  • Trusted

    Addresses all relevant under represented groups and incorporates all aspects of DE&I into one single assessment framework

  • Insightful

    Unique insight obtained from our breadth of client experience, with over 400 organisations across different industries and sectors having used the framework

  • Authentic

    Globally applicable registered trademark

  • Robust

    Streamlined assessment process with minimum effort required from participating organisations

  • Responsible

    A holistic standard covering all nine protected characteristics, and additionally social mobility, culture and legal compliance

Our Approach

Designed to be accessible

The GES assessment will be conducted through the use of technology and personal interaction, designed to provide you with clear and detailed outputs:

    1

  • We will work with you to define the scope of the assessment, agreeing on assessment options and participating counties.

  • 2

  • Countries complete the first phase of the assessment by working in partnership with EY to gather relevant documentation against the GES criteria.

  • 3

  • EY team reviews all the documentation and issues an interim statement of performance.

  • 4

  • The second phase of the assessment consists of tailored leadership interviews and employee focus group discussions.

  • 5

  • EY reviews all the evidence and provides a comprehensive report on findings and leading practice recommendations.

EY’s Equality Standard has transformed the EDI landscape, covering all areas of focus and clearly referencing these in one place, enabling business to harness the power of diversity.

Group Head of EDI, Hays plc

EY provide a recognised standard in the world of diversity and inclusion for business to reach and then build upon. There can be no doubt that in order to thrive in the global environment it is essential that businesses have inclusive working environments

Nicola Rabson

Global Head, Employment & Incentives, Linklaters LLP

EY's evaluation of our diversity programme was the best report of this kind that I have ever seen

Professor Dame Wendy Hall

Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering

EY’s equality standards are head and shoulders above anything else. Market leading, market changing….

Basil Scarsella

CEO, UK Power Networks

We’re extremely grateful for what the process has given us. The ability to grow

Phil Smith

Chairman UK & Ireland, Cisco International Ltd

Case Studies

Our Work

Global Equality Standard

Developed by business for business

Download sample report