Eight retailers in the UK have become founding members of a new organisation formed to create meaningful diversity and inclusion (D&I) progress in the retail sector for staff and customers.
The eight founding members of Diversity in Retail (DiR) include John Lewis Partnership, Wickes, WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, EG Group, Dr Martens, Dixons Carphone and Kingfisher. The new organisation is dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion at all levels within organisations in the retail sector; through establishing a unique collaboration community where D&I best practices are shared and tangible solutions are co-created. DiR has been founded by Tea Colaianni, who is also Founder and Chair of WiHTL; DiR’s sister organisation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in hospitality, travel and leisure.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to have John Lewis Partnership, Wickes, WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, EG Group, Dr Martens, Dixons Carphone and Kingfisher sign up to be founding members of Diversity in Retail; and place their confidence and commitment to the DiR cause,” stated Colaianni. “I am very excited about the impact we can have when we join forces for the good of our employees, customers and society as a whole.”
Colaianni passionately believes that “no single company can make progress with the inclusion agenda on its own”. “I am inspired by the commitment and collective efforts of the community’s founding members; and look forward to working together with the senior leaders of the founding members to expand the reach of the DiR community and make a tangible difference,” she added.
CREATING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
Through working together, the founding members have each committed to taking action to create more inclusive workplaces where everyone can bring their ‘whole self’ to work. DiR’s mission is to support companies across the retail industry to create diverse and inclusive environments; and positively impact one million employees globally by 2025.
“Being a founding member of the Diversity in Retail collaboration community enables us all to work together across the sector to make the step change; and open up opportunities for all,” commented Nikki Humphrey, Chief People Officer of John Lewis Partnership. “We are passionate about inclusion and diversity at John Lewis Partnership. We want everyone to feel valued for their individuality, thrive in our business, and share a strong sense of belonging.”
Paula Coughlan, Chief People Officer of Dixons Carphone, said she is also “delighted to join forces with our industry peers to establish Diversity in Retail”. She believes that the taskforce will help “raise the bar in building a retail industry that is both inclusive and representative of our society”.
“At Dixons Carphone, we believe our business is all the better because of our diversity in all its forms; and we’re continuously striving to ensure everyone feels included, can be themselves, and be at their best,” stated Coughlan. “Businesses have a responsibility to colleagues, customers and shareholders to reflect the diverse communities in which they operate; and Diversity in Retail will play a big role in helping them achieve this.”
SHARING D&I BEST PRACTICE
“Collaborating with other retailers and sharing best practice is good for both the retail industry and for enabling a more inclusive society,” highlighted Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsburys. “I am delighted that Sainsbury’s is a founding member of the Diversity in Retail group. We are committed to being a truly inclusive organisation where colleagues can fulfil their potential; and where all of our customers feel welcome when they shop with us.”
The diversity, inclusion and equality agenda “affects us all”, pointed out Carl Cowling, CEO of WHSmith. “And it will only be through coordinated effort and the sharing of best practice that we will be able to collaborate meaningfully; and, in turn, support the growth in our industry, protect the wellbeing of our colleagues, and offer our customers the best shopping experiences possible. At WHSmith, we are committed to promoting a culture of equality and diversity through our policies, procedures and working practices to ensure all our colleagues can be themselves. I am very proud that WHSmith is a founding member of the Diversity in Retail collaboration community.”
DIVERSITY: A BUSINESS IMPERATIVE
“I truly believe that a workforce, which is diverse at all levels, is an imperative part of a businesses’ success; and an important indicator to customers of being who you say you are as a company,” noted Kenny Wilson, CEO of Dr Martens. “For the past 61 years, Dr Martens has consistently been a brand driven by the diversity of our wearers, and the people that work for us. By joining the other organisations that have also chosen to support Diversity in Retail, Dr Martens commits to cultivating a culture and environment where everybody can be empowered, included and can thrive at work.”
Wilson has promised to “champion the underrepresented; create space for conversation; and support our peer businesses by sharing best practice as we work together to highlight this critical topic”.
VALUING DIVERSE STAFF & COMMUNITIES
“We absolutely value diverse communities as they challenge our way of thinking, pushing us to evolve and establish policies that represent our people, who are without a doubt our most important assets,” added Wickes’ CEO David Wood. “I am incredibly proud for Wickes to be a founding member of the Diversity In Retail as we continue to develop our inclusion journey. At Wickes, we thrive on creating a space that allows our colleagues to be their authentic selves.”
“Joining the DIR community will help us on our journey of change for our colleagues and customers; and we are looking forward to coming together with other retailers to help create sustainable change across our industry and broader society,” highlighted Kate Seljeflot, CPO at Kingfisher. “I am delighted to be one of the founding members of the Diversity in Retail community. At Kingfisher, we believe there is true strength in difference; and we are committed to taking action to create a truly inclusive culture.”
Donna Whitakker, Head of HR & Payroll at EG Group, added that the group is “extremely proud” to be a founding member; along with many other leading retail operators. “At EG Group, we continually strive to foster a culture of inclusion, respect, sense of belonging and empowerment at work. This is what diversity means to us,” stated Whitakker. “We are also passionate about serving the needs of the diverse communities across the 10 international markets we operate in.”
She is also keen “to ensure our products and services reflect and celebrate diversity and make a positive community impact”. “We are constantly learning and investing in diversity initiatives that are local, regional and global in order to promote and ensure EG Group is recognised as a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace,” Whitakker added.
Earlier this year, 55 leading UK retailers signed up to a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Charter, led by the British Retail Consortium, pledging to take decisive action to create a more diverse and equitable retail industry. Click here to read more.
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