It starts with you! Celebrating global inclusion

We’re celebrating Global Inclusion Week across the business this week, with a host of activities to get inspired, take action and make a positive impact in the name of inclusion.

In line with our recently launched refreshed Responsible Business Charter’s commitments to ‘build the #NetZero workforce’ and ‘create an inclusive culture, where it is safe to speak up and where our colleagues’ voices are heard and understood…’, our various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are leading on a range of activities throughout the week, focusing on: Disability; Social mobility; Race and religion; LGBTQ+ inclusion; and, Gender equity.

Colleagues leading the way

Across the business, we have 17 highly active ERGs - all of which are employee-led and voluntary. They provide a crucial network for everyone who works at National Grid, helping to raise awareness of all the diverse types of people who work within our organisation, both in the US and UK. They champion and support the needs of many areas including LGBTQ+, disability and gender, veterans and new starters, through events and campaigns held throughout the year.

The theme for this week’s events is ‘It starts with me’ - here are some of the ways our colleagues can take action for inclusion:

• Learn something new: colleagues can sign up to one or more of the online events, fireside chats, quizzes and workshops being held throughout the week to learn, be inspired and find great ideas that can be turned into inclusive action.
• Commit to positive change: colleagues are encouraged to set a personal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) objective – how we do our job is just as important as what we do and making a tangible commitment to DEI is proven to help.
• Inspire others: share how you’re making a difference and taking action for inclusion with your colleagues and encourage them to do the same.

Supportive leaders

The week’s events are fully supported by our CEO and leadership, some of whom shared their thoughts:

Alice Delahunty , President, Electricity Transmission and one of the Executive Sponsors for our global social mobility ERG ‘Inspire’, said: “I can’t stand the idea that someone is stuck on the same path for life, that where they started is where they must end. That’s why I think the work that Inspire is doing on social mobility is so important. I’m enjoying learning more about the barriers to social mobility and seeing the impact we’re having on the communities we work in."

Aaron Choo , VP for Gas Field Operations & Programs, New York and one of the Executive Sponsors for our LGBTQ+ ERG ‘Pride’, said: “Being reflective of the communities we serve is critically important for inclusion. Having policies in place that support this not only leads to better recruitment, but also a more positive work experience and higher work satisfaction regardless of how you identify.”

Dina Potter , Global Head of Social Impact and one of the Executive Sponsors for our ethnicity, race and religion ERG ‘ONE’, said: “Consciously including people from all races and religions in everything we do as a business is important to me and I believe that we will be more successful if we are a reflection of the diverse communities we serve.”