SER Diversity in Business: Working together towards an inclusive and diverse work culture
SER Diversity in Business is a project of the Social and Economic Council (SER). It supports companies in developing, implementing, and monitoring their diversity plans. The goal: achieving a diverse workforce and an inclusive work culture. This involves a broad consideration of various dimensions, such as work capacity, ethnic and cultural diversity, gender, age, and LGBTI+.
A key component of this is the Dutch Diversity Charter. This is a declaration of intent that employers can sign to officially commit to diversity and inclusion. Since its launch in 2015, more than 500 employers have joined.
European cooperation for diversity and inclusion
The Diversity Charter is part of the European Platform of Diversity Charters. This European platform supports public and private organizations in developing and implementing effective diversity and inclusion policies. Each country has its own national Charter, but together they form a network that reaches more than 17 million employees. By signing, organizations publicly commit to equal opportunities and inclusive workplaces.
More than 17,500 organizations in 27 countries are members of the European Platform of Diversity Charters. A tangible example of this collaboration is the annual European Diversity Month, which has been held every May since 2021.
What does SER Diversity in Business offer?
Organizations working with SER Diversity in Business receive targeted support and access to knowledge and networks. This is what it looks like:
• Targeted support – Whether you're just starting out or already more advanced, organizations receive guidance in developing an Action Plan and structurally embedding D&I policy.
• Practical tools and knowledge sharing – Think of advice on objective recruitment and selection or the use of monitoring tools such as the Cultural Diversity Barometer. This makes policy concrete, measurable, and actionable.
• Networking and events – Employers are connected through meetings, communities of practice, and knowledge sharing with other organizations.
The network is broad and diverse: from companies like ABN AMRO, HEMA, Microsoft Netherlands, and Triodos Bank to civil society organizations such as COC Netherlands, Amnesty International, and Save the Children. Public institutions such as the Dutch Railways (NS), the House of Representatives, and various ministries are also members. Together, they work towards a single mission: greater equality, greater inclusion, and more opportunities for everyone.
Want to get started on creating an inclusive work culture right away?
Does your organization want to take concrete steps in developing and implementing diversity plans? SER Diversity in Business offers a Helpdesk and Knowledge Platform with tools, step-by-step plans, and inspiration. This is useful if you, as an employer, want to take your first steps, but also if you want to further develop your current policy.
Want to know more or join the Charter yourself? Visit serdiversiteit.nl.
Why is this relevant for you as a job seeker?
Employers who sign the Diversity Charter demonstrate that they take diversity and inclusion seriously. If you choose an organization that is affiliated with this program, you know they are committed to inclusion – both in policy and in practice.
👉 Curious which employers are truly committed to diversity and inclusion? View all vacancies at tivy.club and discover organizations committed to equal opportunities: https://tivy.club/vacatures
Examples of companies that have signed the Charter:
a.s.r., ABN AMRO bank N.V., Achmea, Adver-Online, Amnesty International Nederland (AINL), Arcadis Nederland B.V., Kennisinstituut voor emancipatie en vrouwengeschiedenis, Berenschot, Better Future, BNNVARA, CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek), COC Nederland, De Beroepentuin, DPG Media, FNV, FunX, Gemeente Utrecht, GroenLinks, HelloFresh Benelux, HEMA, Kamer van Koophandel (KVK), KRO-NCRV, Melkweg Amsterdam, Microsoft Nederland, Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid, Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), NPO, Oxfam Novib, Provinciaal Platform voor Diversiteit (PPD), Provincie Utrecht, Provincie Zuid-Holland, Qbuzz, Rijksmuseum, Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds, RTL Nederland, RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland), Save the Children, Triodos Bank N.V., Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal, Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit Maastricht, UWV, Vattenfall, Vitens, VodafoneZiggo, VPRO, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Women INC., Woonstad Rotterdam, Young Capital, 113 Zelfmoordpreventie.
