1. Leeds University Business School
  2. Centres and institutes
  3. Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change
  4. National Highways Diversity & Inclusion toolkit

National Highways Diversity & Inclusion toolkit

This toolkit has been developed from four years of in-depth research in collaboration with National Highways and its supply chain partners.

It provides practical resources, guidance, and best practices to help companies in the highways sector embed diversity and inclusion into everyday operations.

Designed to be accessible and actionable, the toolkit supports creating a more inclusive workforce, fostering innovation, and driving positive change across the industry.

Module 1: Scoping

1. Conducting D&I scoping workshops (PDF 612.69 KB)

This focus group guide helps to facilitate conversations with key stakeholders to understand existing initiatives and potential opportunities regarding staffing, workforce demographics and characteristics of the local geography. This enables a greater understanding of the environment a scheme is based in, current priorities and current levels of engagement with diversity and inclusion.

Module 2: Leadership, engagement and communications

1. Key messages for leaders (PDF 612.48 KB)

This document highlights a series of recommendations to be implemented on schemes and within companies, with key messages to create consistent D&I messaging for leaders.

2. Policy communications for leaders (PDF 526.29 KB)

This document provides simple, one-page information sheets for recommended D&I initiatives. They should be available to all staff to increase visibility and engagement across a scheme and company.

Module 3: Ambassadors

1. Role description for D&I ambassadors (PDF 714.72 KB)

This guide provides a framework for establishing Ambassador teams based on supplementary materials available as part of the toolkit.

2. Inclusion ambassador information sheet (PDF 158.9 KB)

This one-page information sheet can be used to establish Ambassador teams. It outlines expected behaviours and responsibilities from potential ambassadors.

3. Ambassadors' introduction session (PPTX 224.27 KB)

This slide deck provides an introductory session for your established D&I ambassadors. The session should establish the responsibilities of ambassadors, whilst also understanding providing space to identify the training needs and expectations of the team. You are welcome to convert these slides into your own branding.

4. Active bystander intervention (PPTX 6.41 MB)

This slide deck forms part of the recommended training for D&I Ambassadors on Active Bystander Intervention. You are welcome to convert these slides into your own branding.

5. Inclusive language training (PPTX 6.34 MB)

This slide deck forms part of the recommended training for D&I Ambassadors on Inclusive Language. You are welcome to convert these slides into your own branding.

6. Working with neurodiverse colleagues (PPTX 2.42 MB)

This slide deck forms part of the recommended training for D&I Ambassadors on Working with Neurodiverse Colleagues. You are welcome to convert these slides into your own branding.

Module 4: D&I training

1. Active bystander intervention (PPTX 6.41 MB)

This slide deck runs in tandem with the Ambassador training but is recommended for all employees. You are welcome to convert these slides into your own branding.

2. Inclusive language (PPTX 6.35 MB)

This slide deck runs in tandem with the Ambassador training but is recommended for all employees. You are welcome to convert these slides into your own branding.

Module 5: Career development

1. Conducting career intention discussion groups (PDF 636.16 KB)

This document provides discussion group guides for early-career and mid-career employees. We have structured the discussion group on four topics, but are designed to be conversational; they should focus on employees' experiences and career goals rather than simply answering each question.

Module 6: Retention

1. Conducting exit interviews (PDF 630.71 KB)

This document provides a guide for conducting exit interviews with employees. We have structured the interviews on five topics, but are designed to be conversations; they should focus on employees' experiences rather than simply answering each question.

2. Conducting retention interviews (PDF 642.62 KB)

This document provides a guide for conducting retention interviews. If possible, they should be carried out by a third-party trusted employee-engagement provider. We have structured the interview on four topics, but they are designed to be conversational; they should focus on employees' experiences rather than simply answering each question.

Module 7: Evaluation

1. Conducting reflective workshops (PDF 614.04 KB)

This document provides a brief topic framework for conducting reflective workshops. They are designed to be conversational; emphasis should be placed on employees' perspectives, and they should be encouraged to converse naturally rather than simply answering questions.