Overview

Knowing where to start and measuring the growth and effectiveness of your ERG/BRG can be challenging.  This Maturity Model has been developed to provide ERG/BRGs with an avenue to measure the progress, engagement, and ROI of their disability-focused ERG/BRG as it matures.  It can be used as an internal tool for ERG/BRGs to assess themselves and/or to help lead discussions with senior leaders and other stakeholders on the value of the ERG /BRG to the business.

This is meant to be used as a general guide, understanding that organizations have different priorities that may drive the timing of any given initiative.  Additionally, some of the ideas may cross over several stages.

The Maturity Model is divided into 5 business categories (ERG/BRG Operational, Talent/Employees, Inclusion/Culture, Business Impact, and Community/External Outreach) and 5 growth stages (Foundational, Formalized, Operational, Integrated, and Dynamic).  As an ERG/BRG is forming and focused on basics such as forming a board, creating a sense of community, or hosting basic awareness events, it is in the Foundational stage. At the formalized stage, a structure is implemented and there are more focused disability inclusion initiatives.  When an ERG/BRG is at the Operational stage, processes begin to become more standardized so activities can be sustained. During the Integrating stage, an ERG/BRG spends more time focused on ensuring what they are doing is aligned with what the business needs and is doing. When an ERG/BRG is recognized, valued, and sought after as a fully integrated business partner, they are in the Dynamic stage and even more time is spent engaged with supporting business initiatives.

You can expand each of categories for more detailed information on each growth stage for that business category and available resources.