A new framework for the professional accreditation of people tasked with transforming workplaces into places of belonging will give organisations confidence in the way diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies and programmes are being delivered within their business.
The Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation programme, launched recently by Diversity Works New Zealand, allows for specialists and advisors working in DEI to have their knowledge, skills, and experience verified.
The accreditation provides career acceleration for people working in this field and gives senior leaders the security of knowing that this mahi is being done by a recognised professional who has access to best practice and a community of peer support.
There are two credentials available – one for DEI professionals who have strategic experience in this work and one for DEI practitioners who support and implement programmes.
Diversity Works New Zealand General Manager Membership and Community Ola Ioane hopes public and private sector organisations will support their DEI specialists to become accredited, whether they work in the People and Culture or HR space or support this work through employee-led networks.
“If you are responsible for delivering DEI outcomes in your organisation, I encourage you to head to our website to understand the benefits of accreditation. If you are leading the teams doing this mahi, look at how you can incorporate accreditation into your learning and development plans.”
Who should apply for Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation?
DEI professionals come from all walks of life and have a wide range of lived experience. This accreditation recognises that lived experience combined with the behaviours and disciplines needed to support organisations to progress their inclusion journey. It will be a valuable credential for anyone working in this field, which may include:
- DEI leaders and specialists
- DEI committee and employee-led network members
- Passionate allies who want to enhance their career in DEI
- People and Culture and HR professionals
The accreditation process
Once accepted into the accreditation programme, applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of materials that demonstrate their skills, capabilities, training, knowledge, and experiences that will be evaluated against a competency framework.
The competency statements are categorised within five core competency groups – subject matter expertise, communication, DEI strategy, self-awareness and te ao Māori.
On successful completion of the first phase, the second step of the programme is a workshop designed to examine a candidate’s skills, capabilities, and experiences with a practical assessment and a final presentation.
In the third and final step, a candidate will be invited for an interview to explore further any of the gaps that might have been identified during the first two phases.
Once all three steps are complete, candidates will be added to the National Register of Accredited Practitioners and receive their Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation at a formal ceremony.
For more information on the accreditation programme, the competency framework, the process and accreditation fees, head to diversityworksnz.org.nz/accreditation.
