Here’s the story so far
There are many benefits of developing a workforce with diverse skills and backgrounds and Project Centre strives to become an organisation that recognises, values and understands diversity. We want to provide our employees with genuine opportunities to improve, and reach their full potential. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group was developed to achieve this.
The goal; to prioritise ensuring equality and diversity are at the forefront of the agenda throughout the business. The group wanted to achieve a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying. Through finding ways for underrepresented groups to fully realise their potential within the company, and taking steps to help individuals in their professional and personal development.
Championing our people
The group Champions represent good practice, promote EDI within the business, and promote values like respect, positive attitudes, behaviours and good communication. Possessing unique voices, the Champions represent and consider all groups by creating comprehensive equality policy.
The Champions:
- Raise awareness of EDI issues (through publicising relevant talks/webinars, arrange events that help celebrate diversity)
- Raise awareness of EDI policies including reviewing policies and procedures ensuring they speak to everyone in the business
- Encourage individuals to speak up regarding EDI issues and concerns via the correct channels process to ensure concerns are dealt with appropriately and fairly
- Challenge discrimination, harassment, bullying and inappropriate behaviour
- Identify ways the business can improve inclusivity.
What do they do?
The Group meet monthly to discuss implementing EDI values across the business, including at Senior Leadership level, with focuses on LGBTQ+, disabilities, gender, BAME, age, social economics and religion.
Last Black History Month they sent emails to staff about insightful topics including black literature, culture, historical figures and events that influenced the world. From one of the earliest recorded Black Britons all the way to Lewis Hamilton, the EDI group explored and shared these influential stories with staff. By setting up a dominoes competition, they honoured one of the biggest national pastimes in Jamaica which was a fantastic success with great attendance.
Feedback
“I wanted to congratulate you on your incredible job of giving us awareness about Black history. Thanks to your educational emails, I’ve been learning a lot.”
– Ana Neto Santos, Senior Landscape Architect
“I really want to shout them out when it comes to employee of the month! Hopefully, this is a beginning of celebrating other culture, racial, historical celebrations! Feels very nice right now.”
– Anonymous
A year after, we’ve seen tremendous change. The vast majority of our staff feel like we have made equality, diversity and inclusion a priority.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group has worked hard to achieve their goals of cultural change and improvement. With exciting improvements already made, we can’t wait to see what another year will bring.
If you’d like to work with us and join our EDI Group; we currently have several positions open. Visit our careers page to find out more.
