Diversity should be at the heart of all talent management strategy, according to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The main finding of the report (surveying structured focus groups of over 100 people including HR directors and diversity and talent professionals), was that organisations should reap the benefits of accessing and developing talent from the widest possible pool.

Some examples of good practice are Credit Suisse, BT, NHS Tower Hamlets, the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the Guardian Media Group.

Dianah Worman, diversity adviser and co-author of the report, CIPD, says: “It is alarming to see the wide gulf between the leaders and followers. There seems to be confusion about how to link talent management with diversity without breaking the law, resulting in the issues being dealt with separately so that organisations miss out on the benefits of a joined up approach.”