Culture, inclusion and diversity
Ensuring a diverse and inclusive culture is an expression of our values as a business.
Everyone belongs
We believe our success is a direct result of our people, who all bring something different to the table. Our initiatives and partnerships are designed to provide equal opportunities for every applicant, while also ensuring everyone feels welcome from their very first day with us.
By constantly reviewing and improving our initiatives, as well as developing new ones, we have created a diverse, engaging and positive culture, which encourages our people to work together to drive innovation and deliver a great customer experience.
Our initiatives
Creating an inclusive workplace is important to us - here are some of the ways we aim to achieve this.
Health and Wellbeing Champions
Our Health and Wellbeing Champions are committed to helping team members look after their physical and mental health, as well as ensuring they feel supported in the workplace.
They also help us to hold events throughout the year to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness for different health conditions.
Mental Health First Aiders
We have a dedicated group of trained Mental Health First Aiders, who provide confidential support and assistance to anyone experiencing issues affecting their mental wellbeing.
They are also trained to signpost team members to additional support if needed.
Culture, Inclusion and Diversity (CID) Champions
Our CID Champions promote a culture of inclusion and diversity across the business and work with our senior leadership team to help the business improve in these areas.
With a focus on under-represented groups, they meet regularly with the aim of:
- enhancing employee engagement
- creating a sense of belonging
- improving the employee experience
- enhancing innovation
- improving leadership skills and abilities.
The ARC Alliance - LGBTQ+ Network
We recognise that every single one of our team should have an opportunity to both represent and be represented across our business. We want to develop a culture of true equality, ensuring LGBTQ+ team members are treated with respect and dignity at all times, have access to a non-judgemental support service, and have the opportunity to ensure that all policies, practises and procedures are of an inclusive nature.
We provide a 'safe space' where likeminded people can receive support and signposting in the knowledge that all conversations are dealt with in the strictest of confidence if requested.
Each year we proudly march through the streets of Bristol (you can't miss our bright yellow banner) and it has now become one of the highlights of our annual calendar of events. Our network is growing year on year and absolutely anyone is welcome to support in organising and attending this amazing event.
Working Parents Network
Our Working Parents Network was set up to provide a forum for team members across the business to discuss the challenges all working parents face.
This allows them to share experiences, support each other and suggest improvements.
Meet4Menopause
We want our people to feel comfortable talking openly and honestly about the challenges menopause can bring by encouraging them to speak to each other.
Our aim is to transform conversations in the workplace by raising awareness of the impact of menopause and supporting those affected now and in the future.
Carers Network
Our Carers Network enables team members who have caring responsibilities to provide peer-to-peer support by creating a safe space to speak openly about their experiences.
Sustainability Working Group
The Sustainability Working Group, which is made of people from across the business, meets regularly with the aim of:
- aligning business sustainability strategies
- creating new sustainability initiatives
- ensuring progress towards environmental and sustainability goals
- growing the business to be a resilient and responsible leader within the sector.
People’s Council
Our People’s Council listens to the views of our people, highlights areas of improvement and shares ideas for positive change.
This helps to ensure all voices are heard and that we continue to provide a positive working environment for our people.
Our partnerships
We work with a number of partners who are integral to building a diverse and inclusive culture.