On November 29, 2022, IGCC’s Vocational Education and Training team DUALpro conducted a virtual workshop to identify the industry requirements for Diversity Management training. The workshop, which was implemented in cooperation with project partner CBM India, was the first meeting of the working group consisting of experts from various IGCC member companies, aimed at collecting and discussing the roles and tasks of diversity managers in the industry.
The workshop followed a survey conducted priorly across IGCC member companies on current Diversity Management policies and initiatives. The results highlighted that while many organizations have policies and processes in place, there is still a gap with regard to the implementation of said policies and processes as well as audits/tracking mechanisms.
Thus, the objective of the workshop was to build a foundation for a training concept based on German vocational education and training standards, i.e. action and application-oriented and competency-based from the industry for the industry.
After an introduction and overview of the training development process, the group was addressed by Mr. Shashi Rajan, Executive Director, Head of Institute ONGC-Academy and President of the ONGC Himalayan Association, who shared his experience in transforming his company in a diversity and inclusion-centric organisation. Further, Dr. Akkai Padmashali, a social activist, and founder of Ondede, shared her experience as trans woman and appealed for the need for social change in India.
The group of industry experts consisted of various sectors of the industry as well as functions/departments and areas of expertise from BHTC - Behr-Hella Thermocontrol India Pvt Ltd, Continental Surface Solutions, Hirschvogel Automotive Group, Lawgicon Consultancy Services, Maier Vidorno Altios, TLT Turbo India Pvt Ltd, Master Builders Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Skoda auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd. The “room” resonated the need for a hands-on training program that would be more focused on implementation initiatives and strategies. A great conversation ensued the focus group discussions on the roles, tasks, competencies of a “Diversity Manager”. Conversation also revolved around a requirement of behavioral, organizational and communication skills, policy changes and reforms, building of a strong relationship with relevant stakeholders to drive change.
The discussion was closed by Mr. T. D. Dhariyal, Former Deputy Chief Commissioner, Govt. of India & State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of NCT of Delhi. He is currently the Advisor of Disability Inclusion and Mainstreaming in CBM India Trust.
The first meeting of the working group ended with much to look forward to; similar interactions and higher involvement in the development and designing of the training program.