Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and applying for Maritime UK Diversity in Maritime Charter Status
Diversity in Maritime Charter status is a commitment made by organisations to promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion in their workplace. It aims to create an environment where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background, and where different perspectives are valued.
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand Diversity in Maritime Charter Status and how to obtain it. All those expressing an interest will be sent a support pack and a template action plan.
Understand What Diversity in Maritime Charter status is
Diversity in Maritime Charter status is a voluntary commitment by organisations to:
Foster diversity and inclusion: Ensuring that all employees are treated equally regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
Promote a culture of respect: Emphasising respect for individual differences and valuing the uniqueness of each employee.
Encourage innovation: Recognising that diverse teams often lead to more innovative ideas and better performance.
Key Benefits:
Creates a positive and inclusive work environment.
Improves team collaboration and creativity.
Enhances the company's reputation for corporate social responsibility.
Familiarise Yourself with the Charter’s Principles
The Diversity in Maritime Charter outlines several key principles that your organisation will agree to uphold, such as:
Creating a work environment that is free from discrimination.
Valuing diversity and promoting equality in recruitment and promotions.
Raising awareness of diversity within the organisation.
Publicly supporting diversity and inclusion efforts.
Sign the Diversity in Maritime Pledge
The first step towards fostering diversity and inclusion in your organisation is by formally committing to change. This begins with signing the Diversity in Maritime pledge that reflects the values and goals of your organisation.
Set up an Action Plan.
After signing the pledge, the next critical step is to create a detailed action plan that will guide your organisation’s efforts to improve diversity and inclusion. This plan should be comprehensive, measurable, and tailored to your organisation’s unique context.
Ideas for an Action Plan can include the following:
Conduct a baseline assessment of the diversity within your organisation. This could involve analysing workforce demographics (e.g., gender, ethnicity, age) and understanding the inclusion climate through employee surveys or focus groups.
Identify areas where there is a lack of representation or inclusion, whether in leadership, recruitment, or employee development.
Develop specific goals to improve diversity. For instance, set a target for increasing female representation in leadership roles or improving the recruitment of underrepresented groups. These goals should align with your organisation’s overall business objectives.
Revise job descriptions to eliminate biassed language, use diverse recruitment channels, and implement blind hiring practices to mitigate unconscious bias.
Establish mentorship or sponsorship programs specifically designed to support underrepresented groups within the organisation, providing them with opportunities for growth and leadership development.
Submit the company action plan
Submit the completed action plan by email, as directed.
Confirmation: After submission, you will receive a confirmation of receipt from the Maritime UK. They will advise the timescale of when you will hear on the company’s attainment of Charter status and will then provide you with a logo and certificate to display your commitment to diversity.
Implement and Promote Diversity Initiatives
After signing the charter, it’s important to follow through on your commitment. Here are some ways to do that:
Educate Employees: Organise training sessions or workshops on diversity and inclusion.
Create Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Support employees from diverse backgrounds by forming ERGs where they can share experiences and ideas.
Update Recruitment Practices: Ensure your hiring process is inclusive by removing biases and providing equal opportunities.
Regularly Review Progress: Assess the success of your diversity efforts and identify areas for improvement.
Communicate Your Commitment
Let everyone know that your organisation has attained the Diversity in Maritime Charter status! Share this news:
Internally: Announce it in team meetings, newsletters, or on your internal platforms.
Externally: Publish a statement on your website or social media platforms, highlighting your organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Stay Committed
Attaining the Diversity in Maritime Charter status is only the beginning. Continuously assess and improve your diversity and inclusion efforts to ensure your organisation remains an inclusive place for all employees. Participate in meetings in the 4 safe spaces for diversity that Maritime UK facilitates. Women in Maritime, Pride in Maritime, Mental Health in Maritime, Ethnicity in Maritime. Dates for meetings are published on the Maritime UK website.