
COS: Fostering a diverse workplace across the globe
We aim to foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we operate. We are committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion for all our colleagues.
At COS, we take a collective responsibility to create an environment where colleagues feel included, respected and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.
In August 2020 we launched the COS Diversity & Inclusion Group with the specific aim of bringing diversity to the fore.
Stacie Hudgens is our Founder & CEO.
" The foundation of humanity should be that individuals from all diverse populations inhabiting this earth are included and treated equitably and fairly, irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference, age or gender.
As the CEO of an outcomes research group, I founded this company on this general principle and will continually work to maintain these values at COS. It is my responsibility, as a leader, to ensure equitable treatment across the organization both in terms of current employees as well as those considering joining the COS team.
Personally, as a gay woman who grew up very poor with an amazing single parent, I know what it is to hide your true self and have to fight the odds to find success. It is with great pleasure that I stand behind the new, employee-run Diversity & Inclusion panel at COS; and firmly support that every team member will be embraced for their individuality in our work family. "
Today, 30 March is World Bipolar Day, a day for connection, outreach and coming together in solidarity around the goal of increasing awareness, acceptance and funding for bipolar disorder.

The COS Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The COS Diversity and Inclusion team is made up of colleagues based in the UK and US, each with an equal voice.

Michael Chladek,
Associate Director 1
I joined the D&I team because I’m interested in learning and better understanding the history of our industry in perpetuating inequity and injustices, particularly in terms of race and gender. I’m excited to work with this team to explore how to make ourselves, COS, and the larger healthcare industry more inclusive, equitable, and just.

Claudine Clucas
Senior Research Associate

Katie Durnell
Research Associate 2

Libby Floden
Senior Director of Biostatistics
I am on the D & I team because I want to foster a work culture that is supportive of all people. More than this, I want to help actively seek people of diverse backgrounds to COS because I believe the richness and depth of various viewpoints and perspectives will elevate our delivery of good science (not to mention enrich my own work experience). On a more macro level, I want to contribute to increasing inclusion and diversity of the patient-voice to clinical trials.

Lauren Garcia
Research Associate 2

Elizabeth Gibbons
Senior Research Scientist 1

Linda Howard
Operations Director

Karen MacNab
Director of Human Resources

Sam Rousell
Director, Programming
As an employee with a disability, I feel passionate about working in and promoting an inclusive environment where all are allowed to thrive. Mental illness is all too often treated badly in the workplace resulting in large numbers of capable people feeling unable to work. I am proud to work at COS which champions diversity and where my disability has never been perceived as a problem.

Brittani Wayne
Research Associate 2
The field of research lacks equitable representation from individuals in the BIPOC community. As a Black woman in research, it's essential to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and share my experience to reconstruct the field's current racially homogenous model.
COS Diversity & Inclusion highlights
Project Launch: August 2020
Launch of the COS Diversity & Inclusion Group (D&I Group) and Charter
Newsletter Content
D&I Group provides monthly content for COS Connect, our global team newsletter
Keeping in touch
Biweekly Group meetings scheduled
D&I sub-group formed: Communication and Promotion
This group works together to design and produce D&I items to promote for the global team and bring attention to the work being done to maintain a diverse and inclusive place of work for all COS
D&I sub-group formed: Cultural Calendar
For the creation of a cultural/events calendar
D&I sub-group formed: Data Measurement and Recruitment
D&I sub-group formed: Training and Building and Inclusion Culture
Finding workshops for COS employees, refine hiring efforts, and discusses what goes into the newsletter.
Here are just some of the events we will be recognising in 2021:
February
LGBT History Month (UK)
Black History Month (USA)
February 8: International Epilepsy Day
February 12: Chinese New Year
February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 28: Rare Disease Day
March
Endometriosis Awareness Month (International)
March 8: International Women’s Week
March 11: World Kidney Day (International)
March 29 - April 4: World Autism Awareness Week (International)
April
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (International)
Parkinsons Awareness Month
May
Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May 2: World Asthma Day (International)
May 4-9: Deaf Awareness Week (UK)
May 10: World Lupus Day (International)
May 12: ME Awareness Day (International) & Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (International)
May 16-19: Neurodiversity Celebration Week (UK)
May 21: World Meditation Day
May 29: World Digestive Health Day (International)
May 30: World MS Day
June
Pride Month (international)
June 7: Cancer Survivors Day (International)
June 15-20: Men’s Health Week (International)
June 19: Juneteenth
June 21-30: World Wellbeing Week (International)
September
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day (International)
September 21-26: International Week of Happiness at Work
September 25: World's Biggest Coffee Morning
October
ADHD Awareness Month (UK)
Black History Month (UK)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (UK)
October 1: World Vegetarian Day (International)
October 10: World Mental Health Day (International)
October 12-15: National Work Life Week (UK)
October 18: World Menopause Day
November
November 2-5: International Stress Awareness Week
November 14: World Diabetes Day (International)