Leadership Award for Action on Workforce Diversity and Inclusion *NEW FOR 2021*

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Finalist

Evoke KYNE: Taking a Human-first Approach to DE&I

Summary of work

As a communications agency 100% dedicated to health, we’ve always felt an inherent sense of responsibility to create positive impact in the world. But 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, and along with a global pandemic, there was also a long-overdue racial and social reckoning for Black people and many others facing systemic racism, discrimination and disregard.
As a majority female-led organisation and building on our DE&I efforts that began in 2018, we’ve taken this work to the next level, not as a performative public relations move, but because we believed we could do more, faster, and help propel our people and industry forward.
We appointed a Head of DE&I, and along with our +40-person global committee, are building and nurturing a culture of inclusion that ensures diverse representation and perspectives are present at all levels of the company, including leadership, and that all employees feel an inherent sense of belonging.
We have new policies, a more diverse team, and new client and agency health equity and social impact programmes. There is still much more to do, but ~20% of new joiners are from diverse backgrounds and in our latest survey, 98% of employees believe we’re committed to DE&I.

To date, the program has successfully generated and leveraged data through newly established channels and partnerships with engaged stakeholders. The program has already successfully influenced clinical practice and policy at global, country and clinic levels via novel insights and targeted, patient-focused solutions. Adherence is gaining the attention it has long needed, and real-world outcomes will improve as a result.

Judges’ comments

Evoke KYNE have clearly tried to embed D&I within the company culture. Training for staff and investment into D&I activities were significant and the appointment of a head of D&I reinforces the commitment to long term goals. They also support and counsel clients, sharing best practice and lessons learnt. They have embedded D&I into every aspect of their business.