IMI launches diversity initiative

There is a recognised lack of diversity in the mediation profession (see also forth-coming GPC North America reports). The first step in redressing this issue is collecting data, so that we know the scale of the imbalance and may plan initiatives accordingly.

To this end, from today, people with IMI profiles of any kind may optionally add ‘diversity data’ to their profile. This data can only be seen by the user and by IMI website administrators.

What data is being collected?

At launch, three types of data are being collected:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Ethnic/racial/cultural minority and Indigenous/First Nations/Aboriginal status
Present ‘diversity data’ options. Both ethnic/racial/cultural minority status and Indigenous/First Nations/Aboriginal status, or one, or neither may be selected.

Who can see my data?

You and IMI website administrators are the only people who can view the ‘diversity data’ on your profile, and we have measures in place to prevent website hacks (see also privacy policy). However, in future, these ‘diversity categories’ may be used in search filters. For example, if someone is searching specifically for a female mediator, and somebody has said they are female, their profile would be shown in search results. I.e. people can infer that somebody has said they are female based on those search results.

Adding any of this data to your profile is optional, though it is likely to be beneficial to include if you are from a group of people who are under-represented in mediation or within IMI’s pool of mediators.

You can view any data you have provided on your profile when logged in, or on the new page ‘Diversity Data‘ when logged in.

How will the data be used?

  1. Internally for IMI reporting purposes. Where diversity reports are produced, data will be aggregated and anonymised—you will not be identifiable based on the data you provide.
  2. To improve search results so that under-represented groups (women, minorities) may be specifically searched for and rendered visible.

How can I add the data to my profile?

Log into the IMI website, navigate to your profile, and click on the ‘gear’ icon to the right of your profile picture to ‘edit profile’. You will find the additional diversity options at the bottom of your profile form. Enter your preferred data and save/update profile.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email IMI. We appreciate your support in this initiative, and look forward to welcoming mediators and interested parties from all backgrounds.

2 thoughts on “IMI launches diversity initiative”

  1. sangeeta mehrotra

    The dilemma I face why harp upon diversity!? Aren’t our basic emotions all the same!? Or do we express our emotions differently based on our diversity!?

    1. We all have different points of view and life experience, and bringing those perspectives and related skills to the table improves outcomes. Additionally, we at IMI want to stress that we are open to all – not just to people of a certain gender, background, education, or geography.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping Basket
Scroll to Top