The most comprehensive review looking at how UK companies are performing when it comes to diversity and inclusion (D&I) has been launched, with some of Britain’s biggest employers taking part in the inaugural study.

The McKenzie-Delis Packer Review (MPD Review) is the first review of its’ kind to take a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion measuring ten different areas including race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental health and parenthood.

Launched by DIAL Global and Ipsos MORI, and backed by Mind and Stonewall, 79 companies participated in the first review, such as Boots, Tesco, Natwest, KPMG, Diageo, the NHS and the FA.

Founder of the review and CEO of DIAL Global, Leila McKenzie-Delis, said: “D&I isn’t just about looking at one or two areas, we wanted to go beyond that look at different facets so we can properly track how UK companies are performing and identify areas where change is needed. We are delighted, so many big names stepped forward to be involved, and over the coming years, we will track how thousands of UK companies are performing.”

The report, which was chaired by Lord Simon Woolley and Ipsos MORI’s CEO Ben Page, highlighted that while many companies take D&I seriously, there are still areas where the focus is needed. For example, of those companies surveyed:

• 89% of companies do not track their employees’ socioeconomic backgrounds
• 43% report their progress against measurable objectives for Leadership Team ​ethnic diversity​
• 22% of companies do not publish their ethnicity pay gap
• 85% of senior leaders at companies feel they don’t face any issues with managing ​age-diversity​ at work

Lord Simon Woolley, Chairman of the MDP Review, said: “I have worked nearly 30 years fighting, campaigning and lobbying for greater social and racial justice.

“The McKenzie-Delis Packer Review is a milestone first step when it comes to giving us a better understanding of who we are, and where we are in the D&I space. The better we understand this, the better we are placed to make bold and brave plans and make change happen.”