Sodexo announces tie-up with Stonewall
20/2/2009
Sodexo, a leading food and facilities management services provider, today announced its membership to Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme, a forum in which employers can work with Stonewall, and each other, to promote lesbian, gay and bisexual equality in the workplace.
As part of its strategic focus on diversity and inclusion, the membership highlights Sodexo's commitment to the wellbeing, inclusion and support of its diverse workforce.
Sodexo is actively strengthening relationships with key non-governmental organisations who support different diverse groups, as part of its drive to create a work environment based on mutual respect for all individuals whatever their age, disability, gender, transgender, marital or family status, race or ethnicity, religious belief or sexual orientation.
Other such memberships include: Employers Forum on Age, Employers Forum on Disability, Race for Opportunity and Opportunity Now.
To aid in achieving this aim, Sodexo has increased its strategic focus on diversity and inclusion through the formation of an executive Diversity and Inclusion council, the appointment of a dedicated head of diversity and the publication of a Diversity and Inclusion policy and charter.
Sodexo joins over 450 other members of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme in the public, private and voluntary sectors, where it will be able to gain access to best practice sharing, networking opportunities and research from the Diversity Champions, Diversity Champions Cymru and Diversity Champions Scotland programmes.
Sharon Kyle, head of employee engagement and diversity, Sodexo, said: “I am very pleased we have joined forces with Stonewall. Having worked with them before, I am confident that the support, advice and the sharing of other organisations' best practice will be invaluable in helping us ensure we meet the needs and expectations of our lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, clients and customers."
David Shields, director of Stonewall's Workplace Programmes, said: “Stonewall warmly welcomes Sodexo on to the Diversity Champions Programme. By joining, Sodexo has committed to providing a workplace that's fully supportive of lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. It also sends out a positive message to prospective employees, so Sodexo can look forward to recruiting and retaining the very best in lesbian, gay and bisexual talent.”
