Half of organisations in the charity sector spend between 28 and 50 days each year keeping abreast of and complying with new legislation, according to new research. 13% spend more than 50 days on compliance while a further 13% write off 13-25 days a year to new legislation. Only a quarter spend fewer than 13 days preparing for legislation.
Yet 43% of charities believe that the recently introduced equality & diversity legislation doesnít go far enough to encourage equality and diversity in the workplace. 3 out of 4 respondents (71%) believe that many organisations pay lip service to equality and diversity but few deliver on their promises.
According to the survey, organisations in social housing and the public sector are leading the way in implementing equality and diversity initiatives. While charities are ahead of the pack according to 18%, the arts sector is lagging behind with only 10% of respondents holding this view.
Debbie Hockham, director of forum3, comments: ìIn a sector where recruiting the best talent is of the essence, it is concerning that HR professionals are spending so much time preparing for new legislation. Furthermore it is worrying that many believe that the legislation is having an impact at all.î
ìIn recognition of this need, this yearís forum3 event sees the launch of its Responsible Business conference, chaired by Trevor Philips, Chairman of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights, where these research findings will be debated at length.î
On a positive note, all of those surveyed view the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights as a positive move to encourage equality and diversity in the workplace. However less than a third (29%) know who the new minister for the Third Sector, Philip Hope, is.
Charities lose up to 50 days a year preparing for new legislation
According to new research from forum3
