Deloitte, the business advisory firm, is celebrating diversity month with an exciting programme of activities and guest speakers, including Garth Crooks OBE, ambassador for the ‘Kick It Out’ campaign, and England cricketer, Ravi Bopara.
During the month, all nine of the firm’s diversity networks, including women’s, GLOBE (gay, lesbian and bisexual), multicultural, workability and faith networks will showcase the role they play within the firm. Over 4,000 Deloitte employees are members of a diversity network, which provide opportunities to hear inspirational talks, receiving mentoring and support from colleagues and network with other members of your network.
Stevan Rolls, Head of HR at Deloitte, said: “The Deloitte networks are an important part of the firm’s diversity strategy, and a key feature of our identity as an inclusive firm. Our approach to diversity is founded on a strong corporate culture and shared values which emphasise fairness and the promotion of talent on merit regardless of background.
“Diversity month is one of the key points in the year when Deloitte formally takes the opportunity to celebrate the differences that make us unique as individuals, and provides an opportunity to debate the important issue of respect at work with our people and clients.”
The events began with a Q&A session hosted by David Sproul, Managing Partner and CEO of Deloitte. David was joined by Jane Galvin, MD of Professional Services at Barclays Corporate and Garth Crooks OBE. They talked about their personal experiences of diversity in the workplace and were questioned by audience members on the importance of diversity at Deloitte and in UK plc more widely.
Will Smith, Audit partner and co-chair of the GLOBE network, said: “Diversity is fundamental to our business and we are very proud of the impact that the networks have. The GLOBE network is growing rapidly across the firm and we hold regular events that unite members across all grades, locations and service lines. GLOBE has become a strong platform for our people to develop internal, client and community relationships.”
The celebrations continue throughout the month with GLOBE celebrating with Parliout, the Houses of Parliament’s LGBT diversity network, to recognise the successes Deloitte has had supporting the Albert Kennedy Trust, which offers shelter to vulnerable young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people. The Workability network will hear inspirational stories from a number of different speakers including Paralympic shooter Andy Gardiner, who will talk about his ambition of competing at London 2012, whilst Diwali will be celebrated by the Hindu network with an evening of celebrations hosted by England Cricketer Ravi Bopara.
