Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Career Development

'This is an essential book, one that all career development practitioners should read and return to, regularly. I recommend it to individuals working in all parts of the sector, and to those responsible for drafting and shaping career development policy.' Dr Oliver Jenkin PGCE RCDP, NICEC Fellow. CDI Senior Professional Development and Standards Manager, and Editor of the CDI's magazine, Career Matters. The career development sector is undergoing significant transformation, with a growing recognition of the importance of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in shaping fairer employment and career progression opportunities. However, there remains a lack of structured guidance for career practitioners on how to embed EDI into their practice effectively. This book bridges that gap, moving beyond theory to provide practical, actionable strategies that professionals can apply in their daily work. Structured around key diversity intersections, including ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, neurodiversity and socioeconomic status, each chapter outlines barriers, enablers and tangible solutions. The book features lived experiences from both career practitioners and clients, offering an authentic perspective on EDI challenges and successes. It also introduces a robust EDI framework and toolkits for practitioners and organisations, ensuring real-world impact. This guide offers: Practical guidance: provides step-by-step toolkits, case studies and actionable strategies for embedding EDI into career development practice. Lived experience perspectives: features authentic narratives from both practitioners and clients to illustrate real-world challenges and solutions. Comprehensive and sector-specific strategies: tailored to the needs of career professionals, ensuring relevance and applicability across various career services. By incorporating reflective exercises, case studies and step-by-step guidance, this handbook empowers professionals with the knowledge and confidence to foster inclusive career development practices. With its evidence-based approach and real-world applicability, this book is an essential resource for those committed to creating equitable career pathways.