The REACH network connects, supports and develops colleagues from an ethnic minority background. This network has continued to grow, and now has over 3,000 members. REACH held a number of events and mentoring workshops for colleagues in 2016.
One of the goals of the REACH network is to improve cultural awareness and understanding across our workforce. The network issues a monthly cultural awareness communication to members and supporters across the Group, highlighting festivals, celebrations and important cultural events in both religious and secular calendars.
It’s something I support alongside my role that is very rewarding and opens up many opportunities to meet different people across the Group with varying cultures and backgrounds; and as a Black female it’s so important to me to work in an environment that is inclusive and enables me to bring my whole self to work.
Initially I joined the network supporting with our regular communications e.g. newsletters and blogs, however, I started to get more involved with events and signature initiatives such as our Black History Month campaigns. Last year, I took part in various conversations and activity that focussed on sharing the need and importance of increasing Black representation at senior levels within the organisation.
This year the Group introduced the Race Action Plan and committed to increasing Black representation at senior level to at least 3% by 2025. I am so pleased that the Group have made a public commitment to reaching this goal and supporting Black colleagues with progression within the organisation which will complement the overall Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority targets.
I feel really proud and honoured to be part of the many changes that are to come across the Group.”
Sarah talks about setting up the ‘Tell Me Anything’ network; a place where colleagues could talk about diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“I think we’re really progressive, here – we’ve been ahead of a lot of the discussions that some companies are just starting to have.”
"Three years ago, I set up ‘Tell Me Anything’, a network where senior leaders and colleagues can talk about diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace. I realised that these discussions were happening within the ethnic minority community, but weren’t really reaching the people who could help things change. I’ve built up great relationships with senior leaders through my career, and I knew I could help get a conversation going by connecting them with colleagues who wanted to talk about their experiences at work.
I wanted to create a safe, supportive space, where questions could be asked and stories could be shared. I’m really proud to say it’s had a huge impact! Before, some of my colleagues never had the chance to talk about race with senior leaders before, or each other. Now, they have a place to compare their experiences and give their opinions on how we can make things better for everyone.
I’m really proud of how my colleagues have embraced the ‘Tell Me Anything’ network, too. I think we’re really progressive, here – we’ve been ahead of a lot of the discussions that some companies are just starting to have. I’ve been told by people who have worked in other banks that they’ve never heard an organisation speak about diversity so much. It’s amazing to know I’ve had a hand in that."