DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN 2023
WELCOME TO OUR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION REVIEW OF 2023! We take a look back at all the great initiatives that have come out of our working group and across the D&I networks
Pride. Unity. Access. Balance.
INCREASED VISIBILITY The increased visibility of the working group contributes to the overall experience of inclusion at GM. There has been a massive shift in the source of information on D&I. Previously, the bulk of this information was top down and now whilst there is still great visibility on D&I from leadership, a large proportion of the D&I communication comes from the working group which means it comes from across the whole organisation. As a result of improved increased visibility, there has been an improved participation from NY and Dusseldorf and the direct involvement of the networks.
Monthly Newsletter. D&I Blink Campaigns. Month End Update.
GERMANY OFFICE Following some training, interest in being more active on D&I increased in our Dusseldorf office and a local D&I group started. With the support of the wider group, they have initiated a monthly lunch featuring cuisine from different countries and regions. Taking advantage of moving to new offices, they have used inclusive signage on the toilets to create space for nonbinary colleagues, and also introduced a wellbeing room. They have also signed up to the German Inclusion Charter to gain local knowledge.
Wellbeing Room Setup. Workshop with Lenna. Gender Neutral Signs.
MULTIFAITH & WELLBEING ROOM Our multi-faith and wellbeing room was developed collectively through the working group along with Unity and Balance. The initial idea came from an individual which was reported via the working group, but in order to make sure it address the needs of as many colleagues as possible, we consulted directly with Unity from a multi-faith perspective and Balance in creating a space for breastfeeding parents. Members of the working group took the information from this consultation and did further research so that we could officially launch.
Unity & Balance. Multi-Faith Space. Breastfeeding parents.
PRIDE NETWORK The Pride network, lead by Sophie and Ashley had another successful year! We saw trans awareness week raise some important topics around pronouns and also share some recommendations of material to all educate ourselves! Pride History Month saw a whole array of content shared across Blink, hugely informative! Ashley shared his coming out story on National Coming Out Day - thank you so much for sharing Ashley! The group spread awareness of World AIDS day Some fun events were organised, including Prides Got Talent The group attended four CAMPAIGN Events
Trans Awareness. World AIDS Day. Pride History Month.
UNITY NETWORK We had Bea join Unity this year as Cochair and along with Hamish they have raised awareness around cultural events throughout the year. In March we saw the beginning of Ramadan where Unity used Blink to raise awareness of the religious holiday. Key initiatives included personal stories from people in the business and dates in the office to break fast. Black History Month was in October where the group shared facts of the day on Blink, along with recommendations for Black owned businesses, films, books, music etc. Magella also shared her personal story - thank you for sharing this with us Magella! Unity also organised for our monthly lunch to be from Roger’s Kitchen which was delicious! And lastly, distributed the Black History Month magazine along with other educational literature. Black Lives Matter had their 10 year anniversary, the group raised awareness about the movement The network has set up inclusive month end – sports day, different music choices
Ramadan. Black History Month. Inclusive Month End.
ACCESS NETWORK Access was relaunched earlier in the year with Katie and Rich leading the group! The group has raised awareness on a number of different topics this year including, stress, men’s health, suicide, neurodiversity, impairment, physical disabilities This awareness took the form in: Stress Awareness Month Campaign Men's Health Week Campaign Launched Grammarly to help break the negative stigma around dyslexia Shared a video of Rich, Andy.M and Catherine to raise awareness around World Suicide Prevention Day Hosted Access month end takeover to raise awareness about mental health, neurodiversity, physical/mental disabilities, and impairment Hosted a bake sale to raise money for Movember which raised £470!
Stress Awareness. Suicide Prevention. Mental Health.
BALANCE NETWORK The Balance network was taken over this year by Annabel and Sophia! They ran some great initiatives helping us to celebrate and raise awareness of important topics! What did they cover? For Movember they ran a Movember Quiz and organised a Below the Mo Talk Wear it Pink! Their very successful Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraising Day The group created office visuals including Balance Bingo & Lunch time walking routes Introduced a new sharing series that covered monthly recipes and podcasts on Blink International Women’s Day saw a Women’s Spotify collaborative playlist They teamed up with the environment team to bring Balance X Green Vegan Recipes for World Vegan Day
Below the Mo. Breast Cancer Awareness. International Womens Day.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INVOLVED IN 2024? If you would like to join our D&I group or any of our networks in 2024 then drop either Victoria Bee or Megan Dack a message!