Diversity and Inclusion update

We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected at work so it is important that we create an environment where we can all succeed, regardless of background. We value everyone for who they are and the unique contribution they bring to customers, colleagues and the communities we create. Our aim is to create and foster an inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves. A diverse team means a stronger business, is better for our customers, and makes us a more attractive employer, which is why we are committed to diversity and inclusion.

The Diversity and Inclusion team are looking for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues to take part in focus groups to help us become a more diverse and inclusive business. If you’re interested in taking part, email Becky Nicholls becky.nicholls@barrattplc. co.uk by 15 February and find out more on Our Place.

Supporting our business

In order to become a truly inclusive and diverse business we’ve rolled out a range of training to improve our understanding of this important subject. Following the success of our Building without Barriers workshops for directors across the business, our HR team have been busy delivering the next phase of training to more than 600 middle managers from across our divisions and GSC. These one day practical sessions focus on exercises to help delegates understand more about the benefits of having a diverse business and how they can develop as inclusive leaders. They are intended to support our divisions in creating local action plans, address challenges and ensure our divisions better reflect the communities we work in.

What else are we doing?

Our new Dignity, Respect & Equality policy outlines how we can create a work environment with an open and honest culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. In addition, all divisions now have local D&I action plans. Reflecting our commitment to support people with disabilities, we became members of the Business Disability Forum last year. This not-for-profit membership organisation helps UK companies like us make it easier for people with disabilities to work. We have also joined forces with a number of disability charities, including Leonard Cheshire and Shaw Trust to offer paid work experience placements. We have also become a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Stonewall is the UK's leading LGBT+ charity and we have worked with them to develop an action plan, which includes reviewing a number of our policies.

Last year we launched Catalyst, a development programme for some of our high potential female leaders, which includes a reciprocal mentoring programme. We also held a workshop for our future female leaders in October with more events planned for 2019. As we continue to look at different ways that we can attract people from as diverse a pool of talent as possible, we have launched a targeted advertising campaign. As part of this campaign, we have advertised in specific media including Able Magazine, LGBT Media and Mumsnet. The campaign also features videos of three of our employees showcasing the different opportunities available in the sector which are being promoted on Facebook and LinkedIn.