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Diverse voices, fairer outcomes | Learning Pool

Written by Carly Chasin | May 21, 2025 9:49:02 AM

Compliance professionals are trained to spot risk, close gaps, and create systems that support good decision-making. But what if some of the biggest risks remain invisible—not because we’re not looking hard enough, but because we’re all looking through the same lens?

That’s where diverse perspectives come in. Not as a corporate slogan or a check-the-box initiative, but as a practical advantage in the work we do every day. In a field that depends on anticipating ethical blind spots and navigating complex human behavior, sameness can be a liability. Different lived experiences help us challenge assumptions, surface risks earlier, and respond more thoughtfully to the realities employees actually face.

This isn’t about politics—it’s about effectiveness.

Fairness is not a side topic. It’s the job.

At its core, compliance is about creating fair systems: policies that apply consistently, processes that support accountability, and cultures that encourage integrity. But fairness doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s shaped by how employees experience your program.

Are policies clearly communicated across roles and geographies? Are expectations realistic, and do they take into account the challenges people actually face on the ground? Can someone raise a concern without fearing retaliation—or being ignored?

Answering those questions requires listening to a broad range of voices, especially those who may be overlooked. That’s where inclusive practices become more than a nice-to-have—they become essential tools for building trust and reducing risk.

Why perspective matters

Imagine trying to play chess with only half the board visible. That’s what decision-making looks like when leadership teams—and compliance functions—lack diverse viewpoints.

People from different backgrounds—shaped by their lived experiences and identity markers—notice different things. They ask different questions. They spot different red flags. And when those voices are welcomed and empowered, your program becomes more resilient. You’re better equipped to handle the unexpected. You don’t just react, you anticipate.

Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident—it must be intentionally woven into an organization’s culture and values. This also means fostering psychological safety by creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up, challenge assumptions, and share perspectives that may differ from the majority view.

So what can compliance teams do?

You don’t have to overhaul your compliance program overnight. But small, intentional steps can make a big impact:

  • Invite input from the edges. Don’t limit feedback to senior stakeholders. Frontline employees often have the clearest view of what’s working—and what’s quietly going wrong.

  • Look at your data differently. Who’s reporting concerns? Who isn’t? Are certain groups underrepresented in survey responses or training feedback? The absence of a voice is still a data point.

  • Diversify who’s in the room. Whether you’re developing policies, reviewing incidents, or planning training content, ensure a range of perspectives are part of the process.

  • Check for impact, not just intent. A policy that seems neutral on paper may land very differently across roles, regions, or identities. Make time to test how your program is being experienced in practice.

The big picture

In chess, the best players aren’t just thinking about their next move—they’re scanning the board, anticipating threats, and watching for opportunities. The same holds true in compliance. We can’t afford to operate with a limited view.

Diverse perspectives, a commitment to fairness, and an openness to different lived experiences don’t dilute the strength of your program—they sharpen it. They help you see more, plan better, and build cultures where ethics and accountability aren’t just ideals, but shared responsibilities.

That’s how we stay ready. That’s how we do the job well.

 

Carly Chasin, Director, Compliance Insights & Strategy, helps customers build and evolve their compliance training strategy.

With a background in education and compliance, her focus is delivering effective, pedagogically sound training that engages learners and aligns with organizational program needs.