UNIT CMI 715 Strategic Approaches to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Assignment Brief

Overview of assessment tasks

Each task in this assessment brief has been developed to enable you to evidence achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for CMI 715: Strategic Approaches to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Each of the assessment criteria must gain a pass outcome for you to successfully achieve the unit.

Preparation for the assessment

• Before you begin the assessment brief please read the CMI 715 unit specifications thoroughly as only the content related to the achievement of the assessment criteria will be assessed.
• Research the topics being assessed. Suggested reading/web resources are provided on the CMI 715 unit specification. Your tutor may signpost you to relevant resources. Additionally, you may access excellent online resources at ManagementDirect https://members.md.cmi.org.uk/.
• If you are enrolled on the Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme you are encouraged to review the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship standard.
• The assessment brief contains a series of tasks which are clearly referenced to the relevant assessment criteria and indicative content.
• Refer to the Assessment Guidance Table at the end of the assessment brief which outlines the requirements for a Pass or Refer.
• Evidence must be provided in the evidence booklet. Additional work-based evidence such as plans or documentation (which has been referred to within the main text) should be included at the end of the booklet marked ‘Work Based Evidence’. Appendices are not a requirement of this assessment brief. If appendices are included these will not be marked or moderated by the CMI.
• Work based evidence must be accompanied by a supporting statement in the learner evidence box, to explain the link to the assessment criteria. Work based evidence (where required by the task) must not exceed SIX (6) pages. Files embedded in the booklet must not exceed 10MB.
• The evidence booklet must be completed in a professional manner (e.g. applying business conventions for writing formal reports) and by using Microsoft Word, Rich Text Format or another compatible software programme.
• An appropriate referencing system (such as Harvard Referencing) must be used to ensure the original source(s) of quotations or models can be verified.
• Finally, you must sign the Learner Authenticity statement (an electronic signature is accepted).

Completing the assessment brief

Learner support

For information regarding policies and procedures for assessment (e.g. special assessment arrangements, learner support, appeals, complaints, certification, confidentiality, plagiarism) you should contact your tutor or Centre manager and refer to the CMI Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice

There is a moral, financial and legal business case for excellent practice in equality, diversity and inclusion in an organisational context. Ensuring it is led effectively at a strategic level requires knowledge, understanding, skills, behaviours and tenacity to keep pace with the momentum of change. Strategically, equality, diversity and inclusion matters. An understanding of the topic not only impacts on the success of strategic objectives but it mitigates risk and enables a culture of support and wellbeing to thrive.

Assessment brief CMI 715 has been designed to enable leaders to evidence an in-depth understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level.

Assessment brief CMI 715 features the following assessment tasks. Further detail is provided against each assessment task within the brief.

Guideline word count

The written word, however generated and recorded, is still expected to form the majority of assessable work produced by Learners at Level 7. The amount and volume of work for this unit should be broadly comparable to a word count of 3500 - 4000 words within a margin of +/-10%. The excessive use of word count is not grounds for referral, however the CMI reserve the right to return work to the Centre for editing and resubmission by the Learner.

The following are excluded from inclusion in word count, if used and not required by the assessment brief an introduction to a job role, organisation or department, index or contents pages, headings and sub headings, diagrams, charts and graphs, reference list or bibliography, reflective statement drawn from undertaking the assessment and how this has impacted on the learner’s work.

Please see the CMI Assessment Guidance Policy for further guidance.

The aim of Task 1 is to enable leaders to evidence their ability to critically assess structural inequality within an organisational and societal context. Leaders will appraise the influence of equality, diversity and inclusion on the strategic objectives of an organisation and present the business case for good practice in an organisational context. 1.1 Critically assess structural inequality within an organisational and societal context

You are required to develop a presentation or report for the members of the senior leadership team within an organisation you know well or have researched. The title for the presentation or report is:

‘The compelling case for equality, diversity and inclusion at the strategic level’

The presentation or report must be presented in FOUR (4) sections:

i. Structural inequality within an organisational and societal context

Critically assess structural inequality within an organisational and societal context. Reference must be made to well- chosen examples (AC1.1)

ii. Legal and good practice requirements for equality, diversity and inclusion

Discuss a minimum of FOUR (4) practical approaches to comply with legal and good practice requirements for equality, diversity and inclusion in an organisational context (AC1.2)

iii. The influence of equality, diversity and inclusion on the strategic objectives of an organisation

Critically appraise the influence of equality, diversity and inclusion on the strategic objectives of an organisation. Your response must make reference to:

• specific objectives for equality
• strategic objectives which are overarching priorities of the organisation (AC1.3)

iv. The business case for good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion

Present a compelling business case for good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion aimed at making senior leaders aware of its importance in a strategic context (AC1.4)

Strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion are vital to ensure individuals rights and needs are met.

Task 2 has been designed to enable leaders to select and appraise data and information to inform the strategic priorities of an organisation. Leaders will also evidence their ability to embed strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion within an organisation.

Basing your response on an organisation you know well or have researched you are required to complete a report or case study entitled:

‘Strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion’

The report or case study must be presented in THREE (3) sections:

i. Data and information to inform strategic priorities of an organisation

Select and appraise data and information (from a referenced source/s) to inform the strategic priorities of an organisation (AC2.1) 

ii. The strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion

Develop strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion for the organisation based on the appraisal of data and information in Section i. (AC2.2)

iii. Strategy to embed strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion within the organisation

Develop a strategy to embed strategic priorities for equality, diversity and inclusion within an organisation (AC2.3)