Read: Stanton Chase puts diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of its agenda

Stanton Chase, one of the world’s top ten leading global executive search and leadership consultancy firms, has today restated its commitment to lead the way in diversity, equity, and inclusion. It has partnered with the Purpose Coalition on the development of a set of Levelling Up Goals.

The Levelling Up Goals, established this year by a cross-party team led by former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening with input from businesses, universities and policymakers, are designed to provide an architecture that will help tackle the challenges the country faces post Covid-19. 

The focus of the framework is to unite business, civil society and policy makers in levelling up the nation with a clear set of objectives to address. The ultimate aim is to drive equality of opportunity in the UK at key life stages, from early years through to adulthood alongside other barriers such as healthcare and fair career progression. 

As part of its work on the Levelling Up Goals, Stanton Chase will highlight the work they are already undertaking to deliver a positive impact on wider society, through diversity, equity and inclusion but also through financial education and sustainability, within the framework of 14 Levelling Up Goals.

With over 70 offices in 45 countries, Stanton Chase provides a global perspective on the search for talented leaders who can help build the most effective teams. Key to this is the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities in which it operates. 

The Goals are the first major piece of work by the Purpose Coalition, which includes some of the UK’s most purpose-led businesses, universities and public sector organisations, such as Amazon, bp, UK Power Networks, the BBC, Sage, Direct Line, Liontrust, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of York and many others.

Eleri Dodsworth, Partner and Head of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, at Stanton Chase said:  

“We are an ethical and purpose led global firm owned by its partners - our purpose is to identify the diverse role models of the future and create inclusive, sustainable and transformational leadership stories. 

We strive to make everyone feel that they belong, regardless of their background. We look beyond labels and stereotypes and celebrate what makes each individual unique and we are stronger and more innovative because of our differences. 

We encourage our clients to view inclusion and diversity as ethical and strategic imperatives that ultimately drive business performance. Our teams across the world work together with passion, humility, and integrity to build trust with our clients. Through listening and inspiring we enable our clients to create diverse leadership teams, where the focus is on hiring for potential and culture “add” rather than which school or university you attended. We are not afraid to challenge or point out bias and believe that leadership opportunities should be open to all, irrespective of how advantaged or well networked you are. We take our responsibilities seriously.”

Justine Greening added: “Levelling up means everyone having the same chance to get on in life. That’s why diversity and inclusion matter so much.  All the evidence points to the fact that diverse teams are better teams. They have a wider perspective and make better decisions as a result. Businesses need to be representative of the communities they serve, not only at entry point roles but right up to the boardroom.  

“As a successful executive search company, Stanton Chase is already playing a vital role by putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of its business model. It is great news that it will now underpin that commitment by working with the Purpose Coalition to develop Goal 14 of the Levelling Up Goals, Achieve equality through diversity and inclusion. That focus extends beyond gender and ethnicity to sexuality, disability and any other challenges that can lead to disadvantage. It is also about making everyone feel that they belong in an organisation and can truly be themselves. 

“Leadership roles in business are still too often the privilege of those from the most advantaged backgrounds. Businesses need to tap into the wider talent pool that exists in this country and then share best practice about how that’s done. 

“Stanton Chase has shown a determined approach to equality of opportunity for its colleagues, its clients and its communities. By taking a leading role in shaping the Levelling Up Goals, it is demonstrating its willingness to go even further as part of a wider effort to level up the country and close the opportunity gap.”