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FROM TH E E D I TO R Making a difference O ne of the recurring comments of the interviewees in this diversity, equality and inclusion-themed edition is were pleased to be discussing this topic, but wont it be nice when we dont have to? Different from many of the other subjects we cover in this magazine, there is a denite feeling that the endgame for businesses is to reach the point where differences are naturally celebrated and recognised as the asset they are. Having said this, DEI is also described as a journey, and movers progress on this road ranges from well on the way to just setting off, so we can expect to be following this subject for some time to come. DEI varies widely in different parts of the world, too. When it comes to religion or ethnic origin, one regions minority can often be anothers majority; and attitudes and even legal status of people of different genders, abilities and sexualities changes signicantly according to where you are. This adds to the complexity, particularly for those companies operating across many national boundaries, making it challenging to adopt a universal approach to developing and measuring DEI activities. However, tools such as ISO certication are WW W. F I D I. O R G FF307 September-November 22 pp08-09 Editor s Column.indd 9 starting to appear that will help rms benchmark where they are against their competitors and where they want to be, regardless of where they are in the world or the scope of their business. This should enable the setting of global goals, which are translated and adapted according to local conditions, and help customers understand where their potential suppliers are when it comes to RFPs. According to some, the changes taking place in mobility industry companies include moving from less hierarchical to more horizontal structures and developing recruitment strategies that cast nets wide to nd staff from much larger pools of talent. Those who dont just tick boxes but seek to put diversity at the centre of what they do will nd real rewards, widening their problem-solving capabilities, broadening their customer base and helping retain staff, by developing into companies that staff want to support for the long term. It is a certainty that diversity and inclusion change is on its way. Its just a matter of how quickly we get there and when we can turn our focus away from our differences to tackling our common concerns instead. DOMINIC WEAVER, editor@fidifocus.org 9 05/09/2022 16:31