GLOBAL: Promoting diversity
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) has formed a Diversity Committee in response to requests from members, and in an effort to raise the profile of this topic. Reports show that increasing diversity not only reinforces greater social responsibility but can also drive growth and innovation.
ICOMIA president, Darren Vaux, commented: “This is a hugely important step forward from a diversity perspective but it also aims to increase the cultural and social economic relevance of the leisure marine industry.”
One of the first areas of discussion is addressing the lack of diversity data for the industry. Committee chair, Melanie Symes, said: “Gathering data is of course a primary and fundamental requirement, and so one of the tasks for the ICOMIA Diversity Committee will be to commission a study to determine a baseline and obtain insights. This will help create indicators to measure progress.”
The committee’s immediate objectives are to: conduct comprehensive industry assessment, in association with Soundings Trade Only, to obtain a representation of workforce gender and age structures; identify barriers to greater diversity; gather examples of good practice in the industry; and develop positive role models and ‘thought leaders’ to shift perspectives.
ICOMIA members wishing to take part should contact Louise Eagle on louise@icomia.com
