Businesses leaders across the beer and pub industry have been sharing how the sector’s first ever diversity and inclusion charter is supporting them and their organisations.
Launched in June 2022, the #OpenToAll Charter outlines ways in which businesses can embed and promote diversity and inclusion. It has since been recognised with a Trade Association Forum industry award for best practice on progressing diversity and inclusion.
Focused on 13 commitments, the Charter encourages businesses to think about diversity and inclusion at every level of their organisation, from the boardroom to the bar.
Speaking about the impact the Charter has made on his business, Chris Jowsey, Chief Executive of Admiral Taverns which runs 1,600 pubs said:
“The Charter has helped us to take a look at our business and recognise where we can do better, there is still progress to be made but I am really pleased we are on this journey and supportive of the Open To All Charter.”
Since signing up to the Charter Admiral Taverns have put all their Senior Leadership team through diversity and inclusion training and included all team members in an exercise to draw up new organisational values, with a particular focus on inclusion.
Meanwhile, at Molson Coors, throughout 2022 the company has set up an offering of support for people experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Talking about the company’s initiative Nic Becker, Rewards Director at Molson Coors said:
“We wanted to provide this support to our team members to make sure that everyone can be their most authentic and best self at work regardless of what stage they are at in life.
“It was really important to us not just to champion education and awareness around the menopause but to actually have resource and support from trained professionals on offer to help our team as well.”
Russell Danks, recently appointed Managing Director of Laine Pub Company said:
“In Pride month and beyond we’re committed to ensuring our venues are inclusive for everyone, because it is our differences, and embracing those differences that make our society much more positive one as a result.”
At its one-year mark, the BBPA is inviting more members to add their names to the Charter and use it to continue or begin their organisational journeys on diversity and inclusion.
Nick Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Greene King and board-level diversity & inclusion lead for the BBPA said:
“Pubs are uniquely placed in the centre of communities right across the country and I believe one of their most important roles is to provide a warm and welcoming space for everyone. We’ve been working together as a sector to embed the importance of diversity and inclusion and make sure our doors are open to all.
“Since its launch, the Open To All Charter has supported businesses through education, awareness and enacting change to both policies and practice. We look forward to continuing to support breweries and pubs to ensure diversity and inclusion is a key priority in their business so they can serve their communities and be great places to work.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said:
“Reflecting on one year of the Charter its impressive to see the different ways in which members are embracing diversity and inclusion and championing it throughout their businesses, from recruitment to training for staff to creating even more inclusive spaces for customers.
“We’re proud to be an industry that welcomes everyone, offering spaces and places where people from all walks of life join together and we will continue to invest in ensuring this remains a reality across our industry.”
Alongside the Charter, a toolkit was developed by the BBPA in partnership with external consultants Inclusive Employers to offer real tangible ways to implement the Charter’s commitments, this toolkit is available to BBPA members.
To celebrate one year of the #OpenToAll Charter the BBPA will be sharing messages from leaders across their membership all this week on social media, follow the BBPA on Twitter or LinkedIn to find out more.