Thought Pieces.

The blog challenges the common understanding of "merit-based" systems within Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work. It acknowledges that a merit-based system intends to award opportunities based on abilities and achievements, ignoring personal connections or background.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) remain a vital part of effective EDI, but the focus is shifting from activity to impact. In 2026, the most effective ERGs are aligned to organisational priorities, supported by leadership, and positioned to influence decisions, improve systems, and drive lasting change.

EDI has become overwhelming, as many organisations confuse visible "performance" with actual progress and strategic "impact". Learn how to use your EDI calendar as a decision-making tool—not a content schedule—to prioritise, plan, and invest with intent, turning noise into measurable impact.

The concept of allyship has critically drifted from its original purpose of active solidarity to become a self-appointed status symbol and a means to deflect accountability.

In this blog, we unpack the use of terms like white privilege, male privilege and able-bodied privilege - "Privilege: The Word That Started a Culture War," is the first piece in The Equal Group's new series, Beyond the Buzzwords: EDI Unpacked, which aims to clarify misunderstood language in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

In this reflective blog post, Mac explores what his #BHMHeroes taught him about meaningful corporate commitment, why performative celebration harms inclusion, and how Black History Month should drive structural, not symbolic, change.