Compass Group signs up to Race at Work Charter
Compass Group UK & Ireland has signed up to the Race at Work Charter, designed to improve outcomes for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) employees in the UK.
The foodservice firm is the latest hospitality company to sign the charter, which has also been signed by Greene King, Casual Dining Group, Sodexo, Loungers and Ennismore.
The Race at Work Charter is designed to foster a commitment to improving outcomes of BAME employees in the workplace. It consists of five principles to ensure organisations address the barriers to BAME recruitment and progression, with organisations committing to:
- Appointing an executive sponsor for race
- Capturing data and publicising progress
- Ensuring zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
- Making equality in the workplace the responsibility of all leaders and managers
- Taking action that supports ethnic minority career progression.
Managing director of Compass' RA Group, Alice Woodwark, has been appointed the executive team sponsor and Rak Kalidas has been appointed head of diversity and inclusion. They will lead on priorities such as creating a cultural diversity employee network and employee listening groups, to inform a detailed action plan.
Sandra Kerr, race equality director at Business in the Community, said: "We would like to thank Compass Group UK & Ireland for setting out their commitment to being an inclusive and responsible employer. By signing up to the charter they are showing that they aspire to have one of the most inclusive workplaces in the country. Together we can break down barriers in the workplace, raise the aspirations and achievements of talented individuals, and deliver an enormous boost to the long-term economic position of the UK."
Robin Mills (pictured), managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: "I believe passionately in equality and diversity, and now is a galvanising moment for Compass Group UK & Ireland as well as wider society. We want to celebrate the rich diversity in our business and signing the Race at Work Charter will help us to understand and tackle issues as part of a wider community. Internally we're also taking steps in the right direction to encourage greater inclusivity and we know our people and our business will thrive on this journey."
