Our Colleagues.
.png?h=400&w=400&la=en&hash=514CCEA3D5DD5A80047ACF649434EBEC)
Empowering our people, sustainably
Our people are our most valued asset. And we know that a healthier, more inclusive environment for our people makes us stronger, by helping us deliver new perspectives and make a positive difference. It’s common sense.
From championing diversity, equity and inclusion through our DEI Steering Committee, to delivering exceptional apprenticeship and graduate programmes, we’ve established a variety of initiatives to drive progression, diversity and development, while supporting our employees’ mental and physical wellbeing for colleagues at all stages of their career.
In 2022 we received our Investors in People silver accreditation – 18 months ahead of our goal. We are now working towards achieving gold by 2026.
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 senior management roles to be filled by women by 2030
14% of leadership positions to be filled by colleagues from underrepresented ethnic groups by 2030
“We have a portfolio of programmes that we offer to colleagues.”
"What’s really important to us from a workplace and people perspective is about creating a great place to work and we support and develop our colleagues in a number of different ways."
Kevin Fisher, Group People Director.
Small steps for long-term change
In 2022 we established our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee, which reports in to our Executive Committee, meaning our initiatives have focus and advocacy from the top to help us progress. Collaboration with colleagues and our Togetherness groups is at the heart, to make sure we're focusing on what's important to our colleagues. The Committee is continuously developing to drive our DEI agenda forward, and we have a clear plan of action to help ensure we reach our ambitions.
A number of colleague-led Togetherness groups have been formed to represent gender, age, disability, LGBTQ+, ethnic diversity, parents and carers, aspiring professionals, and mental health. The groups play an important role in the business, collaborating to create their own calendar of awareness events, highlighting important topics.
Recent activities include Autism Q&A, Dementia Friends talks, speed networking, International Women’s Day podcasts, art therapy, Manchester Pride parade, Black History Month: Black History 101 workshop and raising awareness of young carers.
We’re proud to have signed the Business Disability Forum, to be Age Accredited by 55/Redefined, and we are a signatory to the Women in Finance and Race at Work Charter.
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.
