Ciara Palfreyman
As we mark the relaunch of our Race & Ethnicity Network, Network Leads Maria Ogungbade, Senior Marketing Executive, and Siobhan Chareka, Digital Activation Manager, share their perspective on the purpose behind the network, the impact they hope it will have, and why creating space for connection, allyship and representation matters for colleagues across the business.
The Race & Ethnicity Network aim to cultivate a workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. Our focus is on uniting colleagues from all backgrounds, championing representation at every level of the business, and actively attracting diverse talent. We will build a strong sense of community, foster allyship, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our team. Through continuous education, policy reform, and tailored career development, we aim to remove barriers and create equitable opportunities for all.
A network like this isn't just for its members; it’s for every single one of us across the business. It’s a bridge. It creates a way for colleagues to learn from perspectives they might not otherwise encounter, fostering a genuine sense of empathy and understanding that you just can't get from a training session. When we start to truly understand each other's experiences, we break down the invisible walls that can exist in a large organisation.
For allies and leaders, it provides a direct line to understanding the real challenges and opportunities our colleagues face. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to be a better teammate and a more conscious leader. Ultimately, a culture where everyone feels safe and valued is a culture that is more creative, more collaborative, and simply a better place to be. This network is a vital part of building that future for all of us.
The biggest impact we hope to create is a profound sense of belonging. We want every employee to feel, without a doubt, that this is a place where they can be their authentic self and thrive. It's about moving from just being "accepted" to being truly celebrated for who you are.
We're aiming to create a space where difficult conversations can happen safely and constructively, leading to real, tangible change in our policies and our culture. In the long run, our goal is to see more diversity not just in our teams, but in our leadership. We want to build pathways for career growth and ensure that a wider range of voices are shaping our most important decisions. This is about creating a lasting legacy, making our workplace more equitable and inclusive for everyone who works here now, and for everyone who will join us in the future.
Creating a truly inclusive workplace is all about connection and understanding. An initiative like the Race & Ethnicity Network is so important because it builds a space where people can feel seen and heard. It’s a place to connect with others who have similar stories and backgrounds, which helps everyone feel like they genuinely belong and aren’t just a face in the crowd.
It’s also a powerful platform for growth. By bringing people together, we open doors for mentorship and create pathways for career development that might not have existed before. When people feel supported and have a voice that’s actually listened to, they're not just more engaged in their work, they're empowered to help shape the future of our company. Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture where learning about each other is second nature, breaking down barriers and building a stronger, more united team.
We're building a community from the ground up. The thought of creating a space where we can all share, support, and lift each other up is what really drives us.
We are incredibly optimistic about the real, tangible change we can create. This is our chance to move beyond just talking about inclusivity and start actively shaping a more equitable environment for everyone here. More than anything, we’re excited to see the connections that will be made and to know that we’re building something that will help every single one of us feel more connected and empowered at work. It feels like we're at the start of something truly special.