The Employers Forum on Age (EFA) is the UK’s leading authority on age. Founded in 1996 the EFA is an independent network of leading employers who recognise the value of an age diverse workforce. In addition to supporting employers, the EFA influences Government, business and trade unions,
campaigning for real practical change.

The EFA:
> Advises Government on age-related policy issues
> Supports members in creating an age neutral workplace
> Represents the views of UK employers
> Takes a practical approach to achieving equality
> Challenges the status quo by presenting real alternatives
> Highlights the pros and cons of new employment laws
> Campaigns against age discrimination

The EFA has over 235 member organisations that collectively employ over four million people in the UK (more than 14% of the UK workforce). Core members include B&Q, Barclays, British Airways, BT, Cabinet Office, Cadbury Schweppes, Centrica, Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, Co-operative Group, Craegmoor Healthcare, Department of Work & Pensions, Department for Transport, GlaxoSmithKline, HBOS, HSBC, Manpower, Marks & Spencer, Procter & Gamble, Nationwide, Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Royal Mail, Sainsbury's, Shell and Transport for London.

Key steps to success in age diversity:

Age profile your workforce
Measure your workforce age profile across different parts of the business. Consider age alongside other diversity issues.

Audit age out of policies
Ensure that your employment, training, communications and other policies are age neutral and don't disadvantage particular age groups. Include age within your Equal Opportunity statement/policy.

Change existing working practices
Remove age criteria from day-to-day practice and procedure. Make age awareness training available to all employees.

Ensure Top-level involvement
Establish an age champion to keep age on the Board's agenda and build age awareness into all aspects of the business.

Raise awareness with all stakeholders
Help employees, customers, suppliers and the wider community recognise the organisation's commitment on age equality. Ensure everyone understands the value of age diversity.

Measure the impact
Create measurable performance indicators and develop accountability.

The introduction of legislation in October 2006 means that advice on best practice and policy development must take into account the new regulations. It is essential that employers take legal advice before embarking on policy changes.

If you would like any more information about the EFA please get in touch.

Email: efa@efa.org.uk Telephone: 0845 456 2495
Floor 3, Downstream, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9BG