Transport for London (TfL), the government body responsible for managing public transport in the UK capital, has made headlines by severing ties with global consultancy Accenture.
The decision is a result of Accenture’s recent rollback of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
TfL found these changes to be incompatible with its own values and commitments to inclusivity.
Background: Accenture DEI Policy Rollback
Accenture, one of the world’s largest consulting firms, announced in February 2025 that it would be “sunsetting” its DEI initiatives.
Former US President Donald Trump issued a mandate to suspend DEI roles across government-affiliated organizations.
This decision influenced Accenture’s rollback of its DEI policies.
The mandate was specific to the United States. However, its ripple effects have impacted Accenture’s global operations, resulting in criticism and reputational challenges.
Accenture’s DEI policies, first introduced in 2017, were designed to promote workplace diversity and address systemic inequalities.
The rollback has been widely criticized as a step backward in the fight for inclusivity and equity, particularly in industries that rely on diverse talent pools.
TfL’s Decision to Break Partnership with Accenture: A Stand for Values
TfL’s decision to exclude Accenture from bidding on a creative marketing campaign was first reported by The Telegraph on April 10, 2025.
A TfL spokesperson confirmed that Accenture’s revised stance on DEI no longer met the diversity criteria expected of its suppliers.
The marketing campaign, valued at £50 million, is part of TfL’s broader strategy to boost public transport usage and engage London’s diverse communities.
Frank Douglas, CEO of HR consultancy Caerus Executive, praised TfL’s decision.
He stated, “Leadership takes courage. Sometimes, that means having the strength to walk away.”
He emphasized the importance of holding partners accountable for their values and policies, particularly in public sector procurement.
While TfL’s decision has been widely praised, it also raises questions about the challenges of enforcing values-based procurement policies.
Critics argue that such policies could limit the pool of eligible suppliers, potentially increasing costs and reducing competition.
However, proponents believe that the long-term benefits of aligning partnerships with ethical standards far outweigh the short-term challenges.
Broader Implications for Public Sector Procurement
TfL’s move is likely to resonate with other public bodies across the UK, many of which have made commitments to address systemic inequality and champion inclusive employment practices.
The decision highlights the need for ethical oversight not only within internal operations but also throughout supply chains.
Grace Mansah-Owusu, an organizational psychologist at Oxford HR, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of auditing suppliers and partners to ensure alignment with organizational values.
She stated, “HR leaders and employers should monitor the values and policies of their partners to ensure integrity in their overall values.”
Aggie Yemurai Mutuma, CEO of Mahogany Inclusion Partners, added that upholding DEI values across ecosystems sends a clear message about an organization’s commitment to inclusivity.
She argued that such actions create opportunities to educate, challenge outdated thinking, and drive meaningful change.
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