e-quality
e-quality FAQs

How do I complete the questionnaire?
You do this on-line via the e-quality website. This is simple and secure and will cut down on the amount of time you take in completing the questionnaire. To start, just log onto the website (if you have not already done so) and click on "Complete Questionnaire".

It is very important that you respond accurately to the questions asked. You may need to check some of your answers with colleagues, so please do not leave it until the deadline to start work on the questionnaire.

Note: If you prefer you can print off and refer to a paper copy of the questionnaire - for full instructions on how to do this click on "Print a paper questionnaire" in the left menu. You will still have to complete it online though. You will also be able to 'cut and paste' sections of the questionnaire to colleagues whose input you need for completion.

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How long do I have to complete the questionnaire?
You can complete the questionnaire over more than one session if necessary. Just make sure you save your responses between each visit to the website. You have three months after receipt of your password to complete the questionnaire and submit your response.

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How do I select who I want to be benchmarked against?
All participants will be benchmarked against all participating organisations and an established standard. You will be given different options once you have completed the questionnaire. Participants can choose to be compared to other organizations within their sector, of similar size or from another sector. You will be compared to all organizations who have participated in the 12 month period preceding the submission of your questionnaire. This keeps the data current.

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What is the minimum number of companies needed for an effective benchmark?
We anticipate at least 25 organisations will need to take part in the first round which runs until January 2008. We aim to have at least 75 participants in the first year. Because this is a tracker and not a traditional benchmark, once the first group has taken part there will always be a valid pool of participants to benchmark against.

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How do you protect my identity?
Participants will only be able to choose the size and sector of organisations which they are benchmarked against. You will have no way of knowing which companies you have chosen as their names will not appear anywhere in the document. Where there are only 1 or 2 other organisations in your sector you will be asked to select a wider pool of organsations to be benchmarked against.

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What is the ranking system?
Organisations will be awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze mark against an absolute standard which means that there is not a limit on how many can fall into each group. In order to reach the Gold standard for example, organisations will be required to achieve excellence across the spectrum, not just in one area. The questionnaire has been extensively trailled and piloted against established leaders in the field of diversity and in consultation with diversity experts. This has enabled us to set the standards for Gold, Silver and Bronze. These standards will be subject to ongoing review.

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What will the report contain?
You will be sent a bespoke report which will contain your Gold/Silver/Bronze mark, information about your performance including your benchmark position against all participants and your chosen comparators, along with specific recommendations from the EFA. Where you have completed/amended the questionnaire more than once your reports will also show tracking information so that you can assess your performance over time. Click here to view a sample report.

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How often can I participate?
This is entirely up to you. You will be charged each time you amend and submit your questionnaire and request a report. You may wish to participate annually, every other year or after introducing a new policy. You may choose the day and month you wish to submit your report but you will be asked to submit it within 3 months of receipt of your password and log in. This product has been designed to meet your needs and for you to schedule into your work plans.

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How do I to navigate e-quality?
The left hand menu presents you with a choice of documents covering a range of issues. These topics include explanations of the process, help on technical issues and advice on completing the survey. You are also provided with contact information in case these documents do not answer your specific questions.

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I don't agree with some of the questions
Some of the questions will be difficult to answer. This is deliberate. In order to establish what your organisation is doing we have to ask a range of questions. It is important to bear in mind that many of the questions do not have a right and wrong answer.

Remember, you will not be judged on one question alone but on your overall response. Please try to complete all of the questions but do give us your comments at the end of each section, telling us which question(s) you didn't agree with and why. We will review and amend the questionnaire regularly to ensure ease of use and keep it fit for purpose.

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Does participation mean I don't have to complete other surveys?
This tool has been designed to cover all of the legally protected strands. It should provide you with a complete overview of your e-quality/diversity performance.

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Will I get any public recognition for my work via this product?
It is your choice if you wish to make your Gold/Silver/Bronze status public, we won't.

This is not a ranking exercise it is about providing you with management information for you to use as you see fit. To recognise employers' achievements we have created the annual EFA Awards which are open to all UK employers.

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