At Phelps, we are committed to upholding an organizational culture of inclusivity, equality, and respect. We recognize that the strength of our company lies in the rich tapestry of experiences, backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and ideas that our employees, clients, and candidates bring to the table. As an organization, we categorically denounce racism and any forms of discrimination. We believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
Our responsibility is to continually challenge our practices, reassess our biases, and work actively towards fostering an environment that recognizes and values the dignity of every individual. We pledge to be agents of change, not just in our internal operations but also in the communities we serve.
As a leading executive search firm, we are uniquely positioned to influence the diversity and inclusivity of organizations across different sectors. We commit to promoting diversity, not just as a statistical measure, but as a value that contributes to business innovation, problem-solving, and the overall success of organizations. We strive to provide equal opportunities to all, recognizing that diversity extends to gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and socio-economic status.
We are aware that our work in this area is continually evolving. We are dedicated to continuous learning, open dialogue, and constant improvement in this journey towards equality and diversity. We will maintain transparency in our progress and hold ourselves accountable for the changes we wish to see.
In standing up against racism, fostering diversity, and championing equality, we acknowledge the collective power we hold to make a positive difference. This is our commitment to all our stakeholders, and we pledge to uphold this stance in every aspect of our work.
Heather Phelps, Managing Partner
Studies show that companies with diverse executive teams are more likely to experience above-average profitability. Executive search firms can cultivate diverse candidate pools by leveraging networks and referrals and collecting demographic information. Phelps works with clients to eliminate bias from the search process through blind screening and involving diverse hiring teams. We also educate clients on the positive impact of diverse perspectives. We understand that creating an inclusive company environment is crucial for retaining talent and preventing attrition. Our role is to drive meaningful change by acknowledging biases and leveraging technology to identify diverse talent.
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) is an analytical process that assesses systemic inequalities and considers how diverse groups experience policies and initiatives. It goes beyond biological and socio-cultural differences by considering intersecting identity factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, and disability. Phelps is committed to using GBA Plus to advance gender equality and achieve an inclusive society. GBA Plus is not limited to women's issues and can be applied across all sectors to ensure inclusivity and address diverse needs.
We are CEOs representing leading executive search and leadership consulting firms around the world and we have come together to speak with one voice. As a profession, we are dedicated to strengthening leadership worldwide and believe in the power of diverse talent and inclusive cultures. We are proud to stand in support of our Black colleagues, clients, candidates, and the entire Black community. Actions that accelerate progress for Black leaders and the Black community will be a critical priority.
We share a commitment to combat racism, prejudice, and discrimination within our own organizations, with candidates and the clients we serve, and in our communities. We pledge to use our collective voices and actions to help create a world that is inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible for all.
Each CEO who signs this pledge is committing to developing and deepening actions within their own firms. Our Guiding Principles will help inform firm-based actions which will accelerate a sustainable positive impact.
We commit to listen, engage, and learn so that we can do better both as employers and as trusted advisors. We will understand and leverage best practices to greatly enhance attracting and developing diverse talent for ourselves and our clients. We will work with our clients to identify leaders and assess them for their ability to create inclusive cultures where diverse talent thrives.
We will develop stronger and more diverse slates of candidates through robust research, outreach, and alliances. We will use our expertise to mentor diverse talent to raise their visibility and their success and will identify partnerships that allow us to engage more people, and thus have a greater impact.
We will advocate with clients to help them embrace best practices that further their diversity and inclusion efforts which, in turn, will enhance business results. We will contribute our time and our expertise to under-served communities to advance racial equity and economic empowerment and to fight for social justice.