Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation

Welcome to the Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation programme administered by Diversity Works New Zealand. Please read through all the information on this page before applying to be admitted to the programme.

What is Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation?
Who should apply for Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation?
How do you apply?
How does the process work?
Charter of Conduct
Continuing Professional Development
Fee Schedule
2024 Calendar
Professional Accreditation Advisory Group

WATCH: Introduction to Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation workshop

What is Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation?
This is a formal recognition of the knowledge, skills, and experience required to build cultures of inclusion and cohesion within workplaces in Aotearoa.

It is an opportunity for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) professionals and practitioners to demonstrate and be acknowledged for their competencies in designing and implementing DEI strategies and programmes.

Please note, you will be gaining accreditation for your knowledge, experience and skills. This not a qualification, however learning pathways will be recommended to support candidates to successfully gain accreditation when competency gaps are identified during the assessment process.

Download Competency Framework

There are two credentials available – one for DEI professionals who have strategic experience in this work and one for DEI practitioners who support and implement programmes.

This accreditation programme will give workplaces the security of knowing that this important mahi is being undertaken by professionals recognised in this field who have access to best practice and a community of peer support.

Who should apply for Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation?

DEI professionals come from all walks of life and have a wide range of lived experience. This accreditation recognises the lived experience combined with behaviours and disciplines needed to support organisations to progress their inclusion journey. It will be a valuable credential for anyone working in this field, which may include:

• DEI leaders and specialists
• DEI committee and employee-led network members
• Passionate allies who want to enhance their career in DEI
• People and Culture and HR professionals

How do you apply?

Applications can be made through our online form.

Apply HERE

How does the process work?

Until 28 February 2025, we are offering an accelerated accreditation process. This is frequently done when a professional recognition programme is initiated, with the purpose of recognising the knowledge and experience of long-term experts, and to build critical mass in the programme for sustainable roll-out and adoption.

The Accelerated Accreditation process is a straightforward, points-based system. Applicants may meet the requirements for Accelerated Accreditation by accumulating points based on their previous relevant experience, or other qualifications, certifications, training and accomplishments in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of 50 points to qualify for accreditation at the DEI Practitioner level, and a minimum of 100 points to qualify for accreditation at the DEI Professional level.

Application submissions can be made by completing the online application form on the Diversity Works New Zealand website, including comprehensive details of qualifications, experience and achievements.

Once accepted into the programme, applicants will be required to participate in a group hui. (See hui dates here)

As from 1 March 2025, candidates must not only meet the education and experience requirements, but also proceed through an extended assessment programme, consisting of portfolio submission, practical days and interviews.

DOWNLOAD accelerated accreditation policy

Charter of Conduct 

Candidates have to subscribe to the Charter of Conduct for accredited DEI professionals.

Continuing Professional Development

Workplace Inclusion Professional Accreditation practitioners need to:

• Subscribe to and comply with the Code of Conduct; and,
• Participate in and comply with the continuing professional development requirements as set out by Diversity Works New Zealand.

Fee Schedule

 All figures include GST

2024 Calendar

Please read through the accelerated accreditation policy to understand which designation – practitioner or professional – you should apply for.

Professional Accreditation Advisory Group

We would like to thank the members of the Professional Accreditation Advisory Group for their support and guidance in creating the framework for our accreditation programme:

Alexis Cameron                             Anaru Matthews

Dr. Guillermo Merelo                      Haylee Putaranui

Nicola Richardson                          Catherine Smith

Dr Sripriya Somasekhar                 Jovita Stellmacher

Earle Wilkes

Apply to be accepted into the programme