Strategic Consideration #1: Governance

Does your board reflect the diverse needs of your membership?

Review the strategic direction of the credit union to ensure DEI is part of the plan.
Review policies and procedures for recruiting board and committee members to ensure DEI is incorporated.
Create member advisory groups to further broaden representation and diversity of thought and build your bench.
Educate! Bring them along on the journey and ensure you are providing them the tools and resources needed to effectively and thoughtfully engage in the discussion around DEI. Encourage curiosity and courage in your discussions.

Strategic Consideration #2: Human Resources

Is diversity seen as an "add-on" to HR practices rather than being grounded in inclusive design and implementation of HR practices?

Review your policies and procedures around recruitment and retention of employees:

Are hiring and promotion processes open and transparent?
Are interview panels used rather than allowing for individual, subjective choices?
Is there a reliance on referrals from current employees? Employee referrals are great. This means our people love us. However, it is important to be aware that when we make referrals, we are most likely doing so from our individual networks and choosing people like us, thus further facilitating maintaining the status quo.
Have job descriptions and job postings been reviewed to remove biased language in favor of evidence-based performance criteria?
Do all employees have access to inclusive benefits?

2.Provide training on a regular and ongoing basis. This includes providing training to managers to help them manage diversity effectively. This can be accomplished in multiple ways:

Bring in experts. Treat DEI as a professional development opportunity and be willing to learn.
Incorporate training into ongoing staff meetings.
Hold a staff training day dedicated to DEI.
Partner with local organizations where employees can volunteer in the community. Not every employee sees the world through the same cultural lens. Seek out opportunities to experience and learn about different cultures and be aware of other cultural contexts.
Offer mentoring programs or other professional development opportunities.

Strategic Consideration #3: Your Brand

Does it foster diversity? How is the credit union working to ensure all membership groups have equitable access to products and services?

Instant Insights /

Strategic Considerations for Effectively Implementing DEI Initiatives

Related Stories

Recommended For You