Workplace
We believe that we can only recruit and retain the best people by encouraging, supporting and investing in them to realise their potential. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their race, origin, age, gender, beliefs, religion or lifestyle choices. We strive to create a work environment based on mutual respect for all individuals, which recognises the unique contribution of each person.
Diversity
A commitment to developing a culture that supports and celebrates diversity is central to our corporate responsibility plans. During 2007 our plans include:
- Conducting a survey amongst all email users in the UK & Ireland to gain a better understanding of the diversity of our employees
- Setting up a Diversity Council who will meet quarterly to drive and implement the strategy
- Creating a series of focus groups across the UK & Ireland, who in bi-monthly meetings will discuss diversity issues and relevant legislative updates. These focus groups will feed into the quarterly Diversity Council meetings
- Introducing diversity training for all managers and during the induction of all new employees
- Creating a diversity newsletter to be distributed quarterly to employees
Our long term plan is to ensure diversity is truly embedded into all aspects of the business, and that Sodexo is recognised for its best practice in this area.
It is important that we participate in wider initiatives to develop and share our experiences. Sodexo has become a member of the ORC Worldwide (a globally recognised leading organisation in the field of diversity) and our Chief Diversity Officer, Rohini Anand, will be part of the global advisory team.
Training and development - NVQ programme
Sodexo is one of the few companies in the UK that is able to offer its employees a range of NVQs through the Government's National Employer Service. The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) recently completed an audit of Sodexo's NVQ learning programmes, which the company passed with flying colours. This positive result means Sodexo can expand its learning programme.
Sodexo is only the second organisation in the hospitality sector, which holds a contract with the Government directly, to go through the Adult Learning Inspection.
“I went on the course because I wanted to get more involved in the job. It's been a really good confidence booster and I now find I deal with customer situations much better. I'm planning to do my Level 3 next and would recommend anyone to do an NVQ.”
Kirsty Jones, Food Services Assistant - Lafarge Aggregates
For more information please view our latest Corporate Responsibility Report.