Diversity and Inclusion Code

This article relates to the Diversity and Inclusion Code, written for the cultural and creative sector. Our society is incredibly rich in different types of people, and nowadays there is more focus on diversity than ever before. Culture is and remains an important part of our society because it connects people. That is why it is essential that diversity in society is also embedded in the roots of the cultural sector. Various industry organizations, funds, and ministries have joined forces and drawn up the Diversity and Inclusion Code.

What is the Diversity and Inclusion Code?

The Diversity and Inclusion Code is a code of conduct aimed at increasing diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in the cultural and creative sector. It was drawn up by people working in this field and is intended to provide others with insights and tips on how to deal with this issue. It helps you to make the cultural sector equal and accessible for creators, producers, people working in the industry, and the public. It also supports policymakers and industry organizations in setting out the guidelines.

Five principles or steps within the Diversity and Inclusion Code

The Diversity and Inclusion Code consists of five principles that guide you step by step through the process. These are discussed in detail in the Code itself. Below, we briefly explain the five principles, but we encourage you to download the Code yourself to read it in its entirety.

1 - Baseline measurement

By means of a so-called baseline measurement, you can determine where you currently stand. It is important that you know what is already going well and where there are areas for improvement. One way to do this is by identifying unconscious biases within your organization. Everyone has biases, but the trick is to recognize them. You can use a scan that has been specially developed for this purpose, which is available on the Codedi.nl website.

2 - Vision

The second step is to integrate your diversity and inclusion policy into your mission, vision, and objectives. State it as explicitly and concretely as possible and ensure that everyone in the organization is aware of what you are doing and understands how your organization's environment works.

3 - Support

By making it understandable and concrete, you can also generate support more easily. It is important that everyone in the organization knows what you are doing and that this is not limited to the organization's management or a few project groups working on the subject. This will help you generate commitment more quickly.

4 - Action Plan

Next, describe the actions you will take to achieve the objectives in an action plan. Make sure that the people in your organization know what these actions are and that they understand what these working methods entail. You can describe the actions in concrete terms by addressing the following four Ps:

• Program: this is what you create, or what you offer as a product or service;
• Audience: these are the consumers of your products or services, such as visitors or buyers;
• Staff: this refers to the employees of your organization or members of your project team;
• Partners: these are external individuals or organizations with whom you collaborate on an ongoing basis or within the framework of a specific project.

5 - Monitor

Dealing with diversity and inclusion is subject to change and is therefore an ongoing process. It is essential that you continue to monitor and evaluate developments and the implementation of your actions. Maintain a critical attitude so that you can make adjustments where necessary and respond to new developments. Here too, it is important that you communicate and discuss the results with everyone within your organization or project.

Why do you apply the Diversity and Inclusion Code?

Applying the Diversity and Inclusion Code contributes in three important areas:

The social sphere

The Code helps you on the social front by providing insights and tips on how to make your institution and specific projects accessible to everyone.

The artistic field

By applying the Code, you can enrich and further develop your institution, projects, and initiatives. By looking at the diversity in society, you will gain new insights, unique experiences, and different perspectives that you can reflect in what you offer to the public.

The business sphere

Dealing with diversity and inclusion also offers many business advantages. Apart from the fact that you will increasingly have to demonstrate that you are working on this when applying for subsidies and funds, it is also more enjoyable and can enrich your organization. For example, you will see that you can attract new talent, gain access to new markets, create a more positive image, and achieve higher employee satisfaction.

Download the Diversity and Inclusion Code

This page provides a summary of the Diversity and Inclusion Code. For more guidance, developments, and tips, please visit www.codedi.nl. The entire Diversity and Inclusion Code can be downloaded in PDF format. You can access the scan to assess your current situation via this link.

Who drafted the Diversity and Inclusion Code?

For this article, we have used information described on the website www.codedi.nl and we have used the Diversity and Inclusion Code itself. Both originate from a partnership between various industry associations in the cultural and creative sector. The Diversity & Inclusion Code is made possible in part by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the VSBfonds, and the six national cultural funds. Responsibility for the implementation and further development of the Code lies with the National Knowledge Institute for Cultural Education and Amateur Arts (LKCA).

Video lecture Cultuur+Ondernemen

Cultuur+Ondernemen recorded a video lecture on this topic for the Slagkracht development program: 'Codes in practice'. Watch it below and learn more about the importance of the Diversity & Inclusion Code, Fair Practice Code, and Governance Code for Culture, the objectives of these codes, and how you can apply them.

If, from your expertise, you yourself have knowledge that would fit this topic, or if you see opportunities to improve this text, we look forward to receiving your message at info@cultuuracademy.nl.