Diversity quotas for public sector contracts

Earlier this month, the Equalities Minister, Harriet Harman announced that she intends to impose diversity quotas that organisations must meet if they are to secure lucrative public sector contracts.

This could be seen as another burden for businesses, but the real question is will they work?Some say that there is a risk that imposing them may fuel animosity towards minority groups, where the perception might arise that those from minority groups have only been awarded jobs to fill diversity quotas – not because they are qualified and equipped to do the job.

Could it be that businesses may in some instances have to recruit less able or qualified candidates because they happen to fit diversity quota profiles? Some HR managers believe that putting people into roles before they are ready may undermine that person's confidence and actually hinder their career progression in the long term.

BNI Annual Conference, MAGNA, 14th May 2009

What a great event this was. I estimate there were more than 700 delegates, which made networking a breeze. I met about 20 contacts, some of whom can help me to find new work and others who I have already referred to members of my BNI chapter (http://www.bolton-bni.co.uk/).

The speakers were good. Allan Pease providied a very entertaining look at body language and in particular why women differ so much from men in beghavioural terms.

Managing Disputes & Conflict in the Workplace

Many thanks for the wonderful contribution of all who participated in and supported our GD/HR seminar today at HSBC, Spinningfields, Manchester.

For more details, go to:
www.gdhr.info