Diversity in Retail is Devoted to Increasing Diversity and Inclusion Across Retail
We believe that through collaboration we can amplify the impact of individual diversity initiatives, together we can have a bigger, louder voice for the good of the Retail sector
Our mission is to support companies across the retail industry to create diverse and inclusive environments and positively impact 1 million employees globally by 2025
What We Do
RESEARCH
We conduct research and provide content that is relevant and inspiring
COLLABORATION
We nurture collaboration and sharing across the industry, putting in place tangible actions that make a difference
Be a part of our community of companies and individuals committing to creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces
Get in touch to find out more about Diversity in Retail's initiatives and become a Corporate Member
Our Members Reach Nearly 550,000 Employees and Include:
Ethnic Future Leaders Programme: Cohort 2 Graduation
The second cohort of the Ethnic Future Leaders Programme has recently graduated in a fantastic online event. The 6-month programme was conceived by the members of our Race & Ethnicity Committee and is a phenomenal example of our community coming together. The video (above) encapsulates key learning and highlights from the course as described by the delegates and gives true insight into the impact the programme has made on the lives of those who took part. Each delegate also featured in a Yearbook curating memorable moments from the programme.
Dates for nominations for the third cohort will be announced in due course. For more information on the EFL Programme.
Our special thanks go to McDonald's for partnering with us for this initiative.
Role Models for Inclusion in Retail Index 2022
Produced in partnership with The MBS Group, the Role Models for Inclusion in Retail Index 2022 shines the light on a group of inspirational people who have been independently identified as having made significant impact to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace within retail.
The role models featured in this Index work across the broad reaches of the retail sector and have made it their priority to advocate positive change and to commit to robust diverse and inclusive practices within their organisations. In leading by example – showing how not only telling how – those included have already initiated and promoted the processes needed to achieve an equitable environment.
At the Index launch in London, Simon Roberts, CEO at Sainsbury’s said: “On behalf of Sainsbury’s I want to offer a huge congratulations to all those who have been featured in the inaugural Role Models for Inclusion in Retail Index. As a founding member of Diversity in Retail, inclusion is something that all of us at Sainsbury’s are incredibly passionate about and this is such a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate these exceptional individuals who are driving change across the industry. The Index reminds us why it’s so important for the retail sector, one of the biggest UK employers, to have collective ambitious aims that allow us to carry the torch, using our platform to be a positive role model to other industries and create a ripple effect through our wider society. Celebrating the trailblazers who are doing such amazing work across the retail industry goes a long way in driving long-lasting and widespread movement, creating a better, more inclusive future for everyone.”
International Women's Day 2022
This year's theme for International Women's Day on Tuesday 8th March was #BreaktheBias which aims to unify everyone to take action to end gender bias and inequity.
Diversity in Retail has produced a series of virtual events on the theme featuring inspiring speakers from our sector which are open to all to attend.
We ran a series of insightful webinars on the day - the recordings of which are available to DiR members. Email info@diversityinretail.com to request them.
Fireside Chat Series with Tea Colaianni and Guests
As part of our International Women's Day and Women's History Month celebrations, we were delighted to host a fireside chat with Deborah Robinson CEO Central England Co-op led by Tea Colaianni Founder & Chair Diversity in Retail.
In this interview, Deborah shares her career story and her passion for the Co-operative movement. She also reveals the values which are important to her, the challenges she has faced and how she overcame them, and the positive impact female colleagues have had on her career.
"If you are really clear that what you were setting out to achieve was the right thing, you must never, ever give up on that."
A written summary of the interview is available to download here.
Gender Pay Gap in Retail Report
In partnership with PwC, we are delighted to launch a new report exploring research into the current state of the gender pay gap in the Retail sector.
Against the backdrop of the social inequality highlighted during COVID-19 and the delayed gender pay gap deadline of last October, the report highlights the progress made in our sector to close the gender pay gap and analyses the potential impact of the pandemic on inclusion, diversity and fairness as focus areas for employers, employees, customers and investors.
The report also draws upon a number of case studies from across the Retail sector and contains specific recommendations to employers on how to close the gender pay gap.
Read the accompanying press release here.
Best Inclusive Practices in Retail in 2021
Best Inclusive Practices in Retail in 2021 has been produced in collaboration with our Founding Members and brings together innovative and inspirational strategies which address how to create more inclusive workplace environments.
Case studies relate to hybrid and flexible working, the formation of employee networks, the implementation of development programmes and training, family-related initiatives and improved methods of communication.
WHAT'S COMING UP
The Global Female Leader Programme
The Global Female Leader Programme (FLP) is a unique, cross-industry programme that has been designed to provide a series of experiences and learning opportunities to support career progression for high potential women in the Retail industry. The GFLP is available to Diversity in Retail members for select nominees. Cohort 3 started in January 2022 and will run until June.
