Jacobs, finalist at the Evenfields Black Talent Awards

Jacobs was a finalist in the large business category at the Evenfields Black Talent Awards in Birmingham. The event celebrates outstanding performance of black professionals in the UK as well as recognising employees and employers supporting their development.

Between October and December 2020, the Guardian analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics showed that 41.6% of young black adults were unemployed, compared to 12.4% of young white adults. This has resulted in significant underrepresentation of black talent in many industries accross the UK. The Evenfields organisation created the Black Talent Awards to recognise and celebrate those who are thriving against the odds, and those supporting them to do so. The organisation has been working to support underrepresented groups and promote diverse recruitment since 2019 and launched their sister organisation, Evenfields Community CIC, in 2020 to give young black professionals the tools and capabilities to achieve their career goals.

The Large Business Category Award celebrates private, voluntary and not for profit sector organisations with a headcount of 250 or more and all public sectors that have demonstrated commitment and progression in diversity, equity and inclusion. Jacobs made it to the top three in the Large Business Category for its commitment to I&D. One initiative aimed at driving I&D in Jacobs is our partnership with the Cowrie Scholarship Foundation, a program that will bring over 100 economically disadvantaged but highly talented, black British students through UK universities in the next decade.

Jacobs has also launched a global Action Plan for Advancing Justice and Equality – building on their existing global inclusion and diversity policies. A recent priority for the action plan is unleashing opportunities for black employees to advance and achieve their goals. In addition to this, the action plan contains three main commitments to accelerate change:

1. Amplify culture of belonging.
2. Recruit, retain and advance black employees based on merit to achieve representation in Jacobs that is proportional to the overall external population.
3. Contribute to structural change in the broader society.

In addition to Jacobs receiving a nomination at the Black Talent Awards, Jacobs’ very own Rebecca Scott, Global Talent Resources, Programme Management was chosen as a member of the judging panel for her experience in Talent Acquisition, her work as an inclusive leader and her commitment as a Culture & Belonging Champion.

To learn more about the culture of Jacobs click here.