61660 and 61663 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for HR Practitioners Assessment 1: Group Presentation June 2025 and Sept 2025 cohorts

Assessment task details and instructions

In small groups (max 4 students) deliver a PowerPoint presentation that proposes a business case to support the creation of a diverse workforce in an organisation. Your presentation should demonstrate both analytical rigor and practical applicability to real-world organizational challenges. The presentation will be 20 minutes with 5 minutes for questions and feedback. This time allocation ensures you can thoroughly explore your chosen themes while maintaining engagement with your audience. The presentation should be designed for senior board members of the organisation.

You should:

Identify a suitable organisation

It is advisable to select an organisation that you determine needs development or is limited in EDI policy, thereby allowing you more scope to evaluate and make recommendations. Choosing an organization with visible gaps in diversity management will enable you to construct more compelling arguments for change.

To source an organisation, example sources:

• Prospects – Employer Profiles
• FAME database – Financial information for public and private companies based in the UK and Ireland.
• Brightmine HR (formally XpertHR) Information and legislation for the HR industry.

Consider also reviewing recent diversity reports and annual corporate governance statements to identify organizations requiring EDI advancement. DO NOT use Google, Apple or Microsoft.

From your research identify up to three themes (issues related to diversity management) that are of concern for the organisation. These themes should be interconnected and reflect both immediate operational challenges and longer-term strategic imperatives.

Critically examine the organisations current approach to diversity, drawing upon academic theoretical and commercial contexts. Your examination should synthesize scholarly perspectives with evidence-based practice to demonstrate comprehensive understanding.

Propose a business case for strategically improving diversity in the organisational context with rationale to support the creation of a diverse workforce in the organisation. The business case should be supported with analysis, evaluation and synthesis of your research findings. Ensure your recommendations are both financially viable and culturally appropriate for the organizational context you have selected.

Consideration should be given to the strategic and operational role of HR practitioners in supporting the business case in the promotion of diversity in business. Articulate how HR professionals can serve as change agents and strategic partners in driving EDI initiatives forward.

Present the above in a professional, ethical and convincing manner for the ‘senior management board’ of your chosen organisation. Each member of the group must present. Your presentation style should balance professionalism with accessibility, ensuring complex concepts are communicated clearly without oversimplification.

For academic purposes reference your work. Your final slide should include a reference list: Please ensure you use Harvard referencing guidelines: University of Salford APA 7th EDITION. Accurate and consistent referencing demonstrates scholarly integrity and supports the credibility of your arguments.

*Note in assessment 2 you provide detail implementation plan. This will be supported with indicators for critical success.

You will be provided with assessment preparation and feedback time during your timetabled sessions; support will be provided by your module tutors. Attendance is therefore critical. Engaging actively in these sessions will significantly enhance your understanding of assessment expectations and improve your final submission quality. You will be required to also prepare in your own study time.

If you are unsure or have any queries relating to the assessment criteria, please ensure you contact your tutor in the first instance to check for clarification.

Using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools

For this assessment you may use tools, software, or features of software which use artificial intelligence to generate content such as text or images, in an assistive and supportive capacity. This means you may use the tool to explore the topic or suggest draft structures and refine the wording of your work. However, the final work you submit must be the collective work of the group. AI tools should enhance your thinking process rather than replace critical analysis and original synthesis. Use of AI to generate content to misrepresent your own abilities or mislead your assessor is academic misconduct. When using AI tools, please use University provided tools within the requirements of the University’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy, and do not upload sensitive or personal information. Protecting data privacy and maintaining academic integrity should remain paramount throughout your use of any technological support tools.

Word count/ duration (if applicable)

There is no word count applicable to this assessment. The presentation will be 20 minutes with 5 minutes for questions and feedback. Effective time management during delivery will demonstrate your professional communication competencies.

How to submit

Each student will submit a copy of the presentation slides to the submission area in the Assessments Folder on Blackboard. The presentation will be delivered via MS Teams. A schedule for the delivery your presentation will be determined at the start of the module. Planning ahead and coordinating with your group members will ensure smooth technical execution on presentation day.

As this is a live group presentation assessment, anonymous marking will NOT apply in this case.

Do not upload links in the submission area, as we cannot access them and therefore cannot mark your work. If you have saved your files on your University of Salford OneDrive, dragging files to the submission area may attach a link instead of the file. Always attach files using the paperclip icon. Technical submission errors can result in delayed marking or penalties, so verify your submission format carefully.

Feedback

You can expect to receive feedback by 31st October 2025. This feedback will provide detailed insights into your performance across all assessment criteria.

Formative feedback will be provided in class sessions. General feedback will be provided orally in class after the presentations are complete. Engaging with both formative and summative feedback is essential for continuous academic development.

Assessment criteria

You should look at the assessment criteria and grade descriptors within this document to find out what we are specifically looking at during the assessment. Understanding these criteria before beginning your work will help you prioritize your efforts effectively. A marking rubric will be used to provide additional feedback; a copy is located within the assessment area of blackboard.

Marks for your assessment will be allocated based the criteria below. You will receive an individual mark based upon the group content combined with the individual presentation delivery mark. This dual marking approach recognizes both collaborative contribution and individual performance capabilities.

A marking rubric will be used to support the marking; a copy is available in the module blackboard site.

Assessment area: 100%

Assessment Component	Mark
Group Mark: Critically examine the organisations current approach to diversity based on themes identified: Application of theory and commercial context	30
Group Mark: Business case proposal with strategic considerations and rationale to support the creation of a diverse workforce in an organisation	30
Group Mark: Consideration of the role of HR human resource practitioners in promoting EDI and in assuring organisational compliance	30
Individual Mark: Presentation skills and delivery: Each member takes part in the delivery. Professionally presented slides (inc. design/spelling/grammar) with smooth transition between presenters. Keep to time.<br><br>Note: You may use notes to assist you in the presentation. Though reading from a prepared script is NOT permitted for this task. Please ensure that you do not use more than one side of A4 bulleted notes to guide you.	10

Please note that the standard University of Salford L7 grade descriptors will also be used when determining the level of your assessment. At level 7 the pass mark is 50% and the scale is:

Percentage Mark	Level of Performance
90-100	Outstanding
80-89	Excellent
70-79	Very Good
60-69	Good
50-59	Satisfactory
40-49	Needs improvement
30-39	Needs significant revision
0-29	Needs substantial work

These grade boundaries reflect postgraduate-level expectations for critical thinking and professional competence.

Assessed intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:

• Critically examine equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) from a legal, social, economic and human resource management context from an organisational perspective.
• Critically evaluate the importance of an EDI strategic approach that sits with the wider organisation strategy and the role of human resource practitioners in promoting EDI and in assuring organisational compliance, including critically evaluating the business case for Diversity.
• Develop influencing and negotiation skills
• Present ideas in a professional, ethical and convincing manner for different types of audiences
• Demonstrate digital skills via use of various technologies.

These learning outcomes align with professional HR competency frameworks and prepare you for strategic roles in organizational development.

Employability skills developed / demonstrated

You will develop a range of employability skills sought by employers through each assessment. These transferable skills enhance your professional readiness across multiple career contexts.

Through this assessment will have an opportunity to develop and demonstrate the following employability skills:

Skill	I	U	A	D
Communication				X
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving				X
Data Literacy			X
Digital Literacy				X
Industry Awareness				X
Innovation and Creativity		X
Proactive Leadership			X
Reflection and Life-Long Learning	X
Self-management and Organisation				X
Team Working				X

Key:

• I = You will have been introduced to this skill
• U = You will have developed an understanding of this skill in the context of your subject
• A = You will be able to apply this skill in the context of your subject
• D = You will have demonstrated an enhanced understanding and application of this skill in a wider context

Support for this Assessment

You can obtain support for this assessment by:

• Attending the lecture and seminar sessions.
• Using the learning materials provided
• Emailing the lecturers with specific queries that are not covered in the support materials – allow 3 working days for a response
• Attending lecturer’s drop-in consultation sessions (noted on Blackboard).

Proactive engagement with support resources demonstrates professional initiative and will enhance your assessment outcomes.

Other sources of support

• Understanding your assessment brief/assessment tips for success
• Develop your academic and digital skills
• Assessment rules and processes
• Support services

Issues affecting your assessment

If exceptional circumstances have affected your ability to complete this assessment, you can find more information about the Exceptional Circumstances Procedure (previously Personal Mitigating Circumstances) here. Independent advice is available from the Students’ Union Advice Centre. Early communication about challenges ensures appropriate support can be provided in a timely manner.

Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct

You must learn and demonstrate good academic conduct (academic integrity). Good academic conduct includes the use of clear and correct referencing of source materials. Maintaining integrity throughout your academic work builds professional credibility and ethical practice habits.

Academic integrity & referencing

• Referencing

Academic misconduct is an action which may give you an unfair advantage in your academic work. Some examples are plagiarism, asking someone else to write your assessment for you, unauthorised use of AI or taking notes into an exam. The University takes all forms of academic misconduct seriously. Understanding and adhering to academic integrity standards protects both your learning journey and the value of your qualification.

Reassessment arrangements

If you fail your assessment, and are eligible for reassessment, you will be able to find the date for resubmission on your module site in Blackboard. You will also be notified by the Programme Admin team. There is no resubmission if you are on a retake attempt. Reassessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate improved understanding and application of module content.

For students with accepted personal mitigating circumstances for absence/non submission, this will be your replacement assessment attempt.

The assessment will remain the same but delivered on an individual basis. Individual presentations follow the same quality and content expectations as group presentations.

We know that having to undergo a reassessment can be challenging however support is available. Have a look at all the sources of support outlined earlier in this brief.

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ASSURANCE OF LEARNING

The purpose of this section is to help students to identify the professional skills which they will have gained or developed through completing this assessment. These competencies align with internationally recognized business education standards and employer expectations.

These are the relevant skills and attributes aligned to the AACSB Assurance of Learning (AOLs).

Competency/Performance Indicators

Competency/Performance Indicators	Traits	The assessment covers the following traits
Competency 1: Our graduates will apply critical thinking to practical and theoretical problems
Performance Indicator 1.1: Identify and apply information critically in relation to context	Trait 1.1.1: Identify and interrogate relevant data and literature sources using methods appropriate to level of study and to discussion	Yes – Able to assess
	Trait 1.1.2: Critique theory in discussion and analysis	Yes – Able to assess
Competency 2: Our graduates will be effective communicators using a range of media
Performance Indicator 2.1: Demonstrate communication skills at the appropriate level and using appropriate media	Trait 2.1.1: Organise work in a logical structure in order to draw conclusions that follow from line of argument	Yes – Able to assess
	Trait 2.1.2: Apply appropriate and consistent referencing and in-text citations	Yes – Able to assess
	Trait 2.1.3: Use digital skills appropriate to level and to discipline	Yes – Able to assess
Competency 3: Our graduates will demonstrate an awareness of ethical, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability issues appropriate to the level of study and the discipline context
Performance Indicator 3.1: Identify and interrogate issues of ethics, responsibility, and sustainability	Trait 3.1.1: Recognise, explore, and reflect on key ethical issues as they affect own, and others, practice	Yes – Able to assess
	Trait 3.1.2: Recognise, explore, and reflect upon corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues as they affect different stakeholders	Yes – Able to assess
Competency 4: Our graduates will demonstrate professional and commercial/corporate awareness
Performance Indicator 4.1: Demonstrate critical professional and commercial/corporate awareness in their discipline	Trait 4.1.1: Identify and explain professional and commercial/corporate issues	Yes – Able to assess
	Trait 4.1.2: Critically evaluate professional and commercial/corporate issues	Yes – Able to assess
	Trait 4.1.3: Critically reflect on own development as current or future professional	No – Assessment 2
Performance Indicator 4.2: Demonstrate global and/or international awareness of business practice	Trait 4.2.1: Identify and explain debates in their global and/or international context	Yes – Able to assess
	Trait 4.2.2: Critically discuss the global and/or international context	No – Assessment 2

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EDI HRP Marking Rubric Assessment 1 – Group Presentation (20 Minutes)

AACSB Marking Rubric

Percentage Mark	Level of Performance	AACSB Classification
90-100	Outstanding	Exceeds
80-89	Excellent	Exceeds
70-79	Very Good	Exceeds
60-69	Good	Meets
50-59	Satisfactory	Meets
40-49	Needs improvement	Does Not Meet
30-39	Needs significant revision	Does Not Meet

Understanding the correlation between percentage marks and AACSB classifications helps you gauge the international benchmarking standards your work will be measured against.

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Develop a comprehensive 20-minute group presentation proposing an evidence-based business case for diversity management in a UK organization, critically examining current EDI approaches using academic theory and commercial contexts.

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References

1. Gotsis, G., & Grimani, K. (2023). Diversity management and social sustainability: An integrative perspective. Sustainability, 15(3), 2332. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032332
2. Risberg, A., & Gotsi, M. (2021). Diversity in organizations: Patterns, perceptions, and paradigmatic challenges. In A. Wilkinson, T. Dundon, J. Donaghey & R. Freeman (Eds.), Handbook of research on employee voice (2nd ed., pp. 412-428). Edward Elgar Publishing.
3. Tatli, A., Vassilopoulou, J., Al Ariss, A., & Özbilgin, M. (2022). The role of regulatory focus in diversity management: A multilevel framework. Human Resource Management Review, 32(3), 100835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2021.100835
4. Calvard, T. S., & Sang, K. J. C. (2023). Disability in the workplace: Organizational responses, practices and the role of HR. Human Resource Management Journal, 33(2), 448-465. https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-8583.12461
5. Avery, D. R., Ruggs, E. N., & Woznyj, H. M. (2024). Building inclusive organizations: A science-based framework. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 11, 109-137. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-041623-025132