In recognition of their continued dedication to workplace diversity and inclusion, The Calico Group, a charity organisation who provides a complete community service in housing, healthcare, support, employability and construction, has been ranked No.5 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List.
This is a definitive list of UK based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, throughout each level of employment.
This is the second year in which The Calico Group has entered the list, placing at No.25 in 2019. They are also the only charity to be placed in the Top 5 this year. The Group is proud to create an inclusive and diverse working environment, ensuring that all colleagues are well supported and understood, and that this work has been reflected in the new ranking.
Being recognised as a values-led organisation and placing so highly on the prestigious list this year is a great achievement. This applies even more so at the end of a difficult year, where the Group has faced many different challenges and learnt to adapt quickly in order to support colleagues in new ways.
Internally, the Group has many various initiatives to help provide a welcoming environment for all, including ‘This is Me’ groups which were formed to support and champion inclusivity, such as LGBTQI+, BAME and Youth. Members use their own lived experiences to support and educate their colleagues while helping to influence the workplace culture, policies and procedures.
The Group is also part of external networks (House Proud North West, Housing Diversity Network, Greater Manchester Combined Authority) to learn from and bring this learning to the Group. The Group is also committed to posting job vacancies via boards that specifically support disabled candidates to find roles with like-minded employers.
Carmel Roberts from The Calico Group says, “The diversity of our customers is reflected in the diversity of our colleagues; this helps us understand our customers, empathise with, and know their circumstances so we can support and make a real difference to their lives.
The diversity of the Group employees goes far beyond the typical protected characteristics. We also offer employment opportunities to ex-offenders, people who are in active recovery from substance misuse, people who have experienced domestic abuse and traineeships to refugees.”
Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List Founder and CEO, Paul Sesay, said, “The companies featured on this year’s list have felt the importance of ensuring individual voices are heard and standing up as responsible employers against discrimination and inequality. Those who ranked are on a continuous journey but have made it their mission to advocate for inclusive workplaces where everyone feels empowered to be the very best they can be”.
To view the full list of Inclusive Employers, please visit https://www.inclusivecompanies.co.uk/inclusivetop50/2020rankings/
