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Inclusion & Diversity in action
We have a genuine desire to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone has a sense of belonging in a culture that engenders innovation and better outcomes. Inclusion & Diversity are at the core of who we are and what we do.
I&D is hardwired into our business.
Unlimited is our philosophy, our commitment – our call to action.
It is our ambition that Inclusion enables our people to contribute without limits.
Unlimited fosters the infinite potential of:
- Our Clients – accessing and creating the most diverse talent pools and recruiting the right people.
- Our Candidates – recognising their uniqueness and enabling their potential.
- Our Colleagues – championing the behaviours and values we believe in through our Unlimited Allies.
- Our Communities – reaching out to representative organisations and networks, as well as our chosen CSR partners (currently Leonard Cheshire, a nationwide charity which supports people living with disabilities).
- Ourselves – acting with integrity and committing personally to Unlimited and all that it means.
Our Unlimited Allies
An Ally within Odgers Berndtson is an individual who believes all colleagues should experience equality, fairness, dignity and happiness at work. We currently have nine Allies groups: Age, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, LGBTQ+, Menopause, Mental Health, Neurodiversity and Social Mobility. The Allies groups are run by our employees, with over 25% of our workforce being a member of one of our Allies groups.
Our Allies groups have created a Lexicon document, which is continually evolving, to educate our employees on the different resource groups, and to ensure everyone has the right words to use to start the conversation - to celebrate the best in people and not unwittingly offend or cause embarrassment. One of our core values is integrity, and through using the right language, we express and live a culture of respect, treating people as they wish to be treated.
Our Unlimited Festival
Our Unlimited Festival is an annual global event, with purpose to: learn, share and experience new things. A time to re-focus on the importance and significance of Diversity and Inclusion within Odgers Berndtson. To maximise inclusion, all sessions are virtual and recorded, so our employees can access the content at a time that suits them around the globe.
Session highlights from our 2020 Unlimited festival include:
- Jo-Ann Robertson & Sam Phillips (UK) on Social Mobility/Social Economics.
- Dr Philip Orumwense & Dee Garbelotto (UK) on D&I and being black.
- Tracy Williams (UK) with Learn British Sign Language.
- Cook-along event making Taco’s, (and the addition of tequila for some).
- Emma McKenna (UK) on Health Hacks, Secrets to a Healthier Life.
- Cocktail making at Home with "Tijesh“.
- Gender Identity Bingo.
- Live Yoga with Terri Walford.
