At Radius, the global leader in employee resource group (ERG) development, working with companies such as EY, Google and HSBC, we know that ERGs are increasingly recognised as powerful drivers of social value.
Through our work with NTT DATA Inc, we see how these groups elevate DEI, CSR and strengthen client relationships, to give the company a competitive advantage. In this case study from our 2025 Global ERG Impact Report, Clare Stephens, VP of DEI at NTT DATA Inc UK&I, explains how.
NTT DATA Inc– part of NTT DATA Group – is a trusted global innovator of IT and business services headquartered in Tokyo. Serving clients in more than 50 countries around the world, the company is proud to be recognised as a Financial Times ‘Diversity Leader’ , thanks to its stated mission to ‘make the IT and technology services industry equitable for all.’ The firm’s 7 inclusion networks were founded in 2015 and today, they deliver considerable impact.
As VP for DEI in the UK and Ireland, Clare Stephens oversees these networks and says that they are a key resource for the business.
“We have fantastic volunteers in our inclusion networks and they are integral to our DEI function, particularly in terms of their subject knowledge. They add a level of expertise, can reach out to communities more effectively, and our DEI initiatives feel more authentic when we amplify their voices.”
One of the ways in which NTT DATA Inc amplifies these voices, is by encouraging the groups to work together. “There’s something counterintuitive about siloed ERGs”, explains Clare. “I want our networks to work with each other to leverage their combined skills and build broader inclusion.” This has been achieved through “interlocking governance”, which sees the networks meet regularly to share strategy and work together on DEI projects and events.
Increasingly, these projects have an external focus, because NTT DATA Inc sees that its employee networks can make an impact client-side too. “One of our priorities is to leverage the power of our ERGs to build out client relationships”, explains Clare. “We’re working with a number of clients on collaborations with our inclusion networks, such as fireside chats and two way mentoring opportunities.” The firm is also working with its Alliance Partners to create a new Women’s Network in the IT services space, giving colleagues access to industry expertise from companies such as Google and Salesforce, while further expanding NTT DATA Inc’s already vast business network.
“There’s a clear business benefit to extending the reach of networks into client-facing environments”, says Clare. “It raises the profile of our networks and positions us as an inclusive employer. Plus, it’s an opportunity for learning and sharing best practice. Yes, our inclusion networks primarily support our people, but they can drive competitive advantage too. These two things don’t need to be in conflict with each other.”
A key area in which ERGs are delivering business impact, is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially when tendering for public sector contracts. “The social value element is increasingly important in the tender evaluation process”, explains Clare.
“So there’s a clear benefit for us in terms of stepping up how we support and empower our ERGs. They help us to demonstrate the added value we can bring to our clients.”
An example of this can be found in NTT DATA Inc’s Friends of Armed Forces Network. Initially created to support veterans, the network now welcomes anyone who has worked in defence, the armed forces or emergency services, plus their allies, family and friends. In addition to creating a supportive community, the network is helping NTT DATA Inc to become a forces-friendly business. “It allows us to legitimately engage with the Armed Forces Covenant, which is something we very much want to do in the public sector space”, says Clare.
With NTT DATA Inc’s inclusion networks playing an ever more strategic role in the business, Clare is keen to expand their remit even further. “ERGs can sometimes be pigeon-holed into delivering DEI extension activities and events. I’m always looking for ways to give them a broader and deeper reach so that they can create business impact and drive our competitive advantage.” For Black History Month, for example, Clare invited senior leaders to participate in a workshop to talk about race in the workplace, hosted by the Culture & Ethnicity Network. “This was hugely impactful and will shape our DEI strategy moving forward”, she says.
NTT DATA Inc’s inclusion networks are also creating impact through the firm’s talent strategy. They engage directly with the Talent Team to shape job specs and support with data capture. “Our networks enable us to be authentic when we say that we are an inclusive employer. They help us to attract more diverse candidates because they know that as an employer, we value and celebrate difference.”
From talent attraction to client interactions, NTT DATA Inc’s inclusion networks impact every part of the business and Clare Stephens is excited to support this growth.
“At NTT DATA Inc UK&I, our inclusion networks enhance our workplace culture by fostering inclusion and belonging, driving social value through community engagement and providing competitive advantage via partnerships and alliances. They really are the beating heart of DEI”
Radius is the global leader in employee network and resource group development. The 2025 Radius Global ERG Impact Report shines a light on the impact ERGs are making for businesses all over the world.
Download the full report here and look out for our 2026 report, coming soon.
