Diversity, equity and inclusion

Quick links
- Case studies
- Further resources

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has a clear basis in human rights. This is reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as in the International Labour Organization standards.

The PRI’s 2020 report, Why and how investors should act on human rights, clarifies how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights set expectations for investors to act on human rights, including those related to DEI.

What is diversity, equity and inclusion?

The PRI supports investors to integrate DEI into investment and ownership decisions as investors have an interest in the overall DEI performance within an economy. A just, equitable and fair society where everyone can participate and reach their full potential is the social capital that societies, companies and investors rely on to prosper.

The terms diversity, equity and inclusion are often used interchangeably. It’s important to note that each term has a unique and significant meaning.

Diversity can be defined as the presence of difference within a given context, such as an organisation.

Equity means people have fair access, opportunity, resources and power to thrive. The goal is to move beyond historical and systemic barriers to achieve greater fairness of treatment and outcomes.

Inclusion can be described as the actions taken to understand, embrace and leverage the unique strengths and facets of identity for all individuals so that they feel welcomed, valued and supported.

Discussion paper

Diversity, equity & inclusion: Key action areas for investors

2022-02-07T06:00:00+00:00

Investors need to expand their focus beyond gender and diversity and address issues such as inclusion, equity and other characteristics to truly benefit from DEI

Due diligence questionaire

Diversity, equity and inclusion DDQ for institutional investors

This due diligence questionnaire (DDQ) is designed to help institutional investors understand how investment managers and investment consultants approach diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within their own organisations, through their investment activities or the manager research process

Further resources

Disability Inclusion: a strategic ESG perspective for investors
2021-02-19T07:20:00+00:00
This webinar will explore disability inclusion in the workplace as a critical social issue for investors which needs to be examined with a strategic perceptive, mitigating risks and realising the opportunities that disability brings. The speakers will discuss increasing evidence that embracing equality and diversity contributes to the long-term success ...
PRI Digital Forum: Americas - Diversity, equity and inclusion
2020-12-04T08:09:00+00:00
This webinar addresses the myth of meritocracy in hiring and promotion practices.
US investor perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion
2020-08-20T10:35:00+01:00
By Carol Jeppesen, Head of the US, PRI
Why disability inclusion in the workplace is an investor issue, with Ted Kennedy, Jr.
2020-01-15T11:57:00+00:00
In this episode, the PRI’s CEO, Fiona Reynolds, speaks with our very special guest, Ted Kennedy, Jr.
PIP19 - Boosting investor action to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion
2019-09-10T07:37:00+01:00
With diversity increasingly recognised as beneficial for businesses and in turn investments, this session will identify the lessons learnt and the impact of current initiatives to achieve a more diverse workforce, including:• why investors should care about diversity, and how to think of other strands beyond gender;• how investors can ...
Why and how investors can respond to income inequality
2018-10-24T09:06:00+01:00
The gap in income and wealth between the very affluent and the rest of society has become one of the most noteworthy socio-economic issues of our time.