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Alison Platt, Service Delivery Director, BUPA Hospitals
"Industry can not be complacent about diversity and its importance in the workplace. Opportunity Now combats complacency and challenges organisations to be even better."
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Benchmarking – The Future
We plan to undertake a comprehensive review and consultation on the benchmarking process starting July 2007.

As a result members will now be unable to participate in benchmarking until the relaunch in 2008.

Benchmarking

Opportunity Now Benchmarking Survey

Opportunity Now produces the UK’s most extensive workplace survey on gender equality and diversity

business successThe Opportunity Now benchmarking survey is the UK's most extensive survey on gender equality and diversity in the workplace. It is an annual survey which is available to all Opportunty Now members. The survey is completed by a significant number of the UK's major employers.

About the Survey

The benchmarking survey is designed to help organisations working towards gender equality and diversity, irrespective of whether they are just beginning or have been active for some time.

The survey consists of: 67 multiple choice questions, all of which must be answered:

  • 9 questions specifically ask for evidence
  • 1 question asks for details of your learning.

At the end of the survey there is a page that asks for information on your workforce profile.

Benchmarking Schedule 2006 / 2007

The 2006 Benchmarking Survey, portfolio and guidance instructions were circulated to members on Monday 2 October 2006. Only members who had confirmed that they wish to participate in this years exercise received the information. Benchmarking Clinics were held in London and the regions shortly after this date.

The closing date for completion of surveys and return of evidence was Thursday 30 November 2006.

Results

stack of research papers or newspapersBoth responses to the multiple choice questions and the evidence organisation's supply are scored and contribute to an overall score.

Members who complete the survey receive:

  • an individual score and standard (i.e Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
  • a comparison with the Opportunity Now norm
  • a comparison with organisations in your sector
  • a comparison with your standard
  • a covering letter and certificate

All participants in the benchmarking survey can also arrange a one-to-one meeting with a Membership Services Manager for a detailed debrief.

Only members of Opportunity Now may participate in this survey.

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Benefits of Benchmarking

  • Find out where your organisation is making progress on gender and diversity
  • Identify gaps or areas where further action is needed
  • Compare your progress with other organisations in the same sector and more generally
  • Build a case for adequate resources in the coming year
  • Prepare an action based plan and prioritise your activities for the coming year more effectively
  • Share best practice and learn from other employers
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Members tell us that they find the benchmarking exercise particulary useful in prompting tthought around what actions are currently taking place, what works well and what changes could be implemented.

The survey is described as an excellent tool to initiate review of previous actions in place to promote gender equality, and helps in the development of action plans for future continued progress.