TfL cuts ties with Accenture over DEI rollback

Transport for London has reportedly stopped working with consulting firm Accenture after the consultancy scaled back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Accenture was prevented from bidding to work on a TfL marketing campaign, according to a report in The Telegraph published on 10 April, due to the company no longer meeting the transport body's diversity criteria. Companies should ensure that the values of their partners align with their own, said Frank Douglas, CEO of HR consultancy Caerus Executive. Speaking to HR magazine, Douglas said: “When an organisation is associated with partners who act irresponsibly or violate ethical and social norms, the organisation’s brand and reputation are at risk.“People increasingly want to work for companies that walk the talk.

To ensure alignment, companies must build their values into the procurement process. Trust, but verify. Regularly monitor your partners’ compliance. I applaud TfL, because leadership takes courage. Sometimes, that means having the strength to walk away.”

Accenture announced in February that it would be “sunsetting” its DEI policies after US president Donald Trump's order in January, that all DEI staff should be put on permanent leave. 

A TfL spokesperson told the Telegraph: “We were unable to continue with Accenture’s bid for our creative tender contract as it no longer met the criteria for diversity that we expect from all suppliers.

“We are proud to hold our suppliers to account, making sure they are aligned with our commitments on diversity and inclusivity to help expand opportunities across our supply chain and create equal opportunities for all.”