Culture, inclusion and diversity
We strive to provide equal opportunities for all through our range of initiatives and partnerships.
Equal opportunities for all
By ensuring our recruitment process and progression opportunities are free from bias, we aim to make sure everyone is given the chance to succeed with us.
To achieve this, we have various initiatives and partnerships that help ensure everyone feels welcome and supported throughout the journey with us.
Health and Wellbeing Champions
Our Health and Wellbeing Champions are committed to helping team members look after their physical and mental health, as well as ensuring they feel supported in the workplace.
They also help us to hold events throughout the year to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness for different health conditions.
Mental Health First Aiders
We have a dedicated group of trained Mental Health First Aiders, who provide confidential support and assistance to anyone experiencing issues affecting their mental wellbeing.
As well as offering a confidential listening ear, they are trained to recommend where to go for additional support if needed.
Culture, Inclusion and Diversity (CID) Champions
Our CID Champions promote a culture of inclusion and diversity across the business and work with our senior leadership team to help the business improve in these areas.
With a focus on under-represented groups, they meet regularly with the aim of:
- enhancing employee engagement
- creating a sense of belonging
- improving the employee experience
- enhancing innovation
- improving leadership skills and abilities.
The ARC Alliance
The ARC Alliance aims to make sure LGBTQ+ employees are always treated with respect and dignity, while also providing them with access to a non-judgemental support service.
It also allows them to influence policies, practises and procedures to ensure they are of an inclusive nature.
Working Parents’ Network
Our Working Parents’ Network was set up to provide a forum for team members across the business to discuss the challenges all working parents face.
This allows them to share experiences, support each other and suggest improvements.
Meet4Menopause
We want our people to feel comfortable talking openly and honestly about the challenges menopause can bring by encouraging them to speak to each other.
Our aim is to transform conversations in the workplace by raising awareness of the impact of menopause and supporting those affected now and in the future.
Sustainability Working Group
The Sustainability Working Group, which is made of people from across the business, meets regularly with the aim of:
- aligning business sustainability strategies
- creating new sustainability initiatives
- ensuring progress towards environmental and sustainability goals
- growing the business to be a resilient and responsible leader within the sector.
People’s Council
Our People’s Council listens to the views of our people, highlights areas of improvement and shares ideas for positive change.
This helps to ensure all voices are heard and working conditions are constantly improving for our people.
Our partnerships
Our partnerships are essential to helping us become a truly diverse and inclusive business.
Armed Forces Covenant
The covenant focuses on providing members of the armed forces with the same access to starting a new career as other people. Applicants who have previously served in the armed forces, and meet the minimum requirements for the job, will automatically be invited for an interview.
Disability Confident Employer
As a Disability Confident Employer, we will guarantee a job interview to any applicant who declares they have a disability, as long as they meet the minimum requirements for the role. We are also committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible, while also supporting current employees with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
National Autistic Society
We have partnered with the National Autistic Society to help us understand, embrace and increase neurodiversity through the Autism at Work programme. This programme allows us to advertise roles on the society’s network and provide tailored support to candidates with autism. Managers and direct team members of successful candidates are entitled to training too.
Bristol Women in Business Charter
We are committed to ensuring that gender equality is an ongoing focus across everything we do. Analysing our approach to gender equality has helped us make better decisions in the way we recruit, retain and engage with our team members. With the support of the Charter, our collaboration with other members has allowed us to share ideas and celebrate the achievements made towards gender equality.