What is a DEI audit?

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a lot like health. It’s complex and dynamic, and doesn’t just happen on its own: DEI requires intention and ongoing stewardship in order to be realized.

DEI auditing is like a check-up: ideally it’s not just done once in an institution’s lifetime, but is integrated as a standing, formative process in everyday operations to provide insight into current status, progress toward goals and feedback on current policies, programs and practices.

How does a DEI audit work?

Successful DEI audits don’t happen without a foundation: they require grounding in mission and values to be meaningful, appropriate and impactful for an institution. Blink audits DEI in design (intent) and demonstration (outcomes) by looking at what you intend based on policies, practices, training, etc. and what your actual outcomes are, based on objective and subjective assessments.

Blink audits DEI through assessments in four areas:

  • Institutional design (how is the institution intentionally organized and run to achieve its goals?)

  • Program design (how are the programs within the institution intentionally designed?)

  • Stakeholder perspectives (what perspectives and feedback does the entire community have?)

  • Analysis of existing data (what data already exists at the institution about experiences and outcomes, and what does it indicate?)

 

DEI auditing cycle

 

Design and demonstration

Four areas of DEI audit assessment

 

Together, these inquiries create a detailed look at the current status of DEI across the organization by evaluating:

  • What infrastructure is in place

  • What processes and practices are being implemented

  • What the community experiences and perspectives are, and

  • What DEI data is available and what it indicates.

Blink analyzes all of this audit data to form an institutionally unique and meaningful set of recommendations at the conclusion of the audit.

Why audit DEI and why work with Blink Consulting?

A quick nine-slide discussion of why you should consider a DEI audit and how Blink works with clients is located here. Click on the button below to download the PDF.