Our Colleagues.
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Empowering our people, sustainably
Our People are our most valued asset. We know the benefit of creating the right environment for all our team to contribute positively to the success of the business.
Within the Our Colleagues pillar, we have focused significantly on diversity, equity and inclusion. This allows us to look at the complete colleague journey and make Together a great workplace for all. We continue to invest in colleague development, engagement and wellbeing, as well as our talent pipeline for the future prosperity of the business.
Driving Together towards our DEI goals.
"I have the privilege of being the DEI Committee Chair and see my role as supporting the business as we set the standards we want to achieve. Ultimately, that comes down to being ambitious, taking action and holding ourselves to account."
"The delivery of our DEI awareness sessions has been a particular highlight this year. It was fantastic to see the engagement from so many colleagues, playing their part in our DEI goals. We have some way to go to meet our aspirations, but we are making progress with the continued commitment from the Executive, colleagues, the DEI Committee members and our inclusive Togetherness groups."
Sarah Nield, Group Chief Compliance Officer and DEI Steering Committee Chair.
Our colleague aspirations
50% of leadership roles to be filled by women by 2030
14% of leadership positions to be filled by colleagues from underrepresented ethnic groups by 2030
Our Strategy for DEI
Policy & Practices
Diversity, equity and inclusion has to be embedded in everything we do. Our policies and practices are the foundation to removing barriers and giving all colleagues the opportunities to succeed.
Our policies and practices are reviewed periodically and include feedback from our colleague surveys. We have been able to make changes including enhancing our family leave policy and improving our recruitment policy and guidance.
Education & Awareness
All colleagues should be able to learn and develop, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the opportunities and tools to do so.
We have a full calendar of opportunities for colleagues to complete within the business and we encourage colleague to undertake external qualifications to enable them to reach their ambitions. Some of our standout offerings are the Together Academy, DEI education and Learnfest.
Recruitment & Progression
In order to reach our colleague aspirations and ensure Together is a diverse place to work, we must build a workforce that reflects the community we operate in and the customers we serve. To improve our recruitment practices we have developed inclusive job adverts and hiring manager training.
Inclusion
Diversity and Equity cannot work without inclusivity. We want to make Together and welcoming place for all by ensuring a sense of belonging. Our Togetherness Groups form the foundation for colleagues to come together to share and support the experiences of each other. These groups support Together in being more inclusive by highlighting the voices of colleagues.
Meet our Togetherness Groups
Aspiring Professionals Network - Providing opportunities for networking and personal development, promoting collaboration and working together to develop our talent.
Embrace - Celebrating and championing ethnic diversity and inclusion, supporting Together to be a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background.
Kaleidoscope - To celebrate diversity and equality at Together, to ensure every colleague has a voice and is able to flourish, regardless of sexuality or gender identity.
Life In Full Effectiveness Network - Supporting Together’s older workers, providing a trusted space for open and honest communication so our colleagues can share experiences.
Mind Matters - Promoting understanding and empowering people to speak openly about their mental health and the impact is has on their lives.
Parents and Carers - Supporting parents and carers of all forms, providing a trusted space to openly and honestly share experiences.
Sunflowers@Together Disability Network - To promote the understanding of disabilities and empower everyone at Together to be themselves and feel accepted.
Women@Together - To establish a network that champions equality, celebrates and empowers women at Together, and provides a safe space to connect.
"Embracing our differences enriches our working and personal lives for the better."
"In my role as Lead, I get the benefit of developing my skills in pulling a whole group towards the common goal of making Together a more diverse and inclusive workplace. ‘Embrace’ is a group for everyone, helping colleagues at Together celebrate diversity and inclusion. We want to be a safe space for support and a driving force for positive change."
Temilola Fittes, ‘Embrace’ Multicultural group lead.
