This article is taken from a series surrounding Relocate’s Festival of Global Mobility Thinking on 11 May 2018. The highly successful, interactive event included speakers such as Prof Dr Dimitry Kochenov, author of the Henley & Partners Quality of Nationality Index (QNI); and Dr Linda Holbeche, author of The Agile Organization. For more information and to find out how you can get involved in this unique event next year, contact: events@relocatemagazine.com 

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The standard pool from which expatriate workers are traditionally chosen needs to be widened in order to find a greater source of talent.

Addressing diversity in the global market 

Dr Susan Shortland, Professor Emerita, London Metropolitan University, said diversity has become more recognised as issue that needs to be addressed within the global market.“This encompasses not just gender diversity but also race, religion and LGBT. A lot of employers are switched on to LGBT because of fears over risk and security, but they have perhaps not looked in detail about the issues around ethnicity and religion,” she said.Ruth Holmes, writer at Relocate Global, echoed Dr Shortland’s sentiments and highlighted the role of schools and educators in encouraging more diversity in aspiration and overcoming the horizontal and vertical barriers to more equal representation.“Two of global mobility’s most appealing aspects are how it reaches across international borders and has people at its heart,” she said. “It really is a sector that sees the full diversity of human experience, and that seeks to include and respond to the full spectrum of individual needs.”

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Related articles:

• Festival of Global Mobility Thinking
• How can coaching help create engagement in the VUCA age?

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Recognising excellence in global mobility

Speaking ahead of Relocate’s Gala Awards Dinner on May 10, and the Festival of Global Mobility Thinking on May 11, Ruth Holmes said it was important to recognise examples of excellent practice in the industry. The awards dinner is the highlight of the global mobility calendar, drawing international guests to network and celebrate success in this dynamic and growing sector.“In this age of declining trust and severe skills shortages, really understanding people, hearing their voice and treating everyone fairly and with respect is critical to employee engagement and good business,” she said. “It has never been more important and why Relocate Global has long championed the diversity and inclusion agenda in global mobility." 

Diversity category at the Relocate Global Awards

Dr Shortland welcomed the new diversity category within the awards for 2018.“The diversity category is a new one this year and it is important that we focus on a wider pool of talent,” she said. “It is important that people who are doing a good job on widening diversity are recognised for the innovative work that they are doing. These awards are recognising excellence in the industry and celebrating success.” Businesses that embraced diversity could be an example to others, she said. “These are people and companies who are achieving great things and we should celebrate that and see them as an inspiration for others.”Diversity will also be an issue for discussion at the Festival of Global Mobility Thinking, organised by Relocate Global and held in London on May 11.As well as hearing experts talk about the benefits of agile organisations, digital technology and trends in the global mobility sector, a panel of experts will discuss diversity and recruitment.Among the experts presenting case studies of best practice are Dr Shortland, Michael Grover, Senior Associate, Mercer’s Career Practice, and Andy Piacentini, co-founder of The Res Forum. Fiona Murchie, Managing Editor, Relocate Global, will lead the panel discussion.

Addressing the issues around diversity

Dr Shortland said diversity has become more recognised as issue that needs to be addressed within the global market.“In the discussions I hope employers will come forward with ideas on how we can be creative around diversity and suggest some steps that can be taken.There is a business case for having different types of people working for an organisation because this diversity better represents the customers of the company, and can be good for the bottom line.”The 2018 Relocate Awards gala dinner and presentation ceremony takes place in London on Thursday 10 May. Places are selling fast, so book your places today.Join us at the prestigious, internationally recognised awards gala dinner, we have arranged an exciting and memorable event, which will be held at the UnderGlobe at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on London’s South Bank.The evening will begin at 7.00 pm with a champagne reception. Following a three-course themed dinner with fine wines, the winners will be announced and presented with their trophies. There will be ample time for networking and celebrations.As the ultimate recognition for those working in the relocation and global mobility sector, on both the HR and the supplier side, the Relocate Awards are a globally respected brand.For related news and features, visit our Human Resources section. Find out more about our Relocate Awards. Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory 

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