JT has signed up to the Institute of Directors (IoD) Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Charter as it continues to build upon its Sustainability and D&I Strategies.
The Charter has been introduced on the island to help encourage workplace cultures where diversity and inclusion is promoted. It will look to provide businesses with the tools and infrastructure to convey a number of core activities including flexible working, safeguarding equal opportunities and better work-life balance.
As part of JT’s D&I strategy it continues to train mental health first aiders, taking the total in the business to 30, the largest cohort in Jersey. It has also launched virtual bi-weekly mental health coffee mornings, introduced new ways of flexible working and ensured a good range of D&I questions are included in its monthly people engagement survey to measure progress.
Nicola Reeves, JT Group HR Director, said: “We feel as one of the largest and oldest local businesses on the island it is important to visibly demonstrate our commitment to the themes of diversity and inclusion and signing up to this Charter is another step forward for JT. As part of the Charter, we hope to place a greater value on different attitudes and emphasise how important it is to have a truly representative workforce, and we both applaud and support the IoD in tackling such important issues. For us at JT, attracting and developing diverse talent is crucial to our long-term success as a sustainable business and community.”
Lisa Springate, Jersey Chair, Institute of Directors – Jersey Branch, said: “Last year the IoD set out its vision to embed progressive diversity and inclusion activity within Jersey’s business community. JT has been a core part of island life and a leader of innovation for over 130 years, and today is the custodian of our critical infrastructure. Their ongoing commitment to our community and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, one that makes everyone feel equally involved and supported, is an example of how they recognise and value a collaborative approach to working – together we really do make change happen.’’
Under the Charter each business will be required to self-certify annually, disclosing its D&I journey and using the opportunity to share examples with others. JT has previously supported the IoD by signing up to their Vision Statement published in 2020, a prequal to the establishment of the Charter.
The telecommunication operator is also a member of the Employees Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), the UK’s leading employer network and carries the organisation’s TIDEmark as an evaluation of the areas of talent, inclusion and diversity.
