INCLUSION & DIVERSITY – July 2021 UPDATE
We’ve been working hard to achieve our ultimate goal of being the UK’s most inclusive and diverse retailer. Here’s what we’ve been working on since our last update in March.
One of the big highlights of this year has been the launch of our new dedicated fleet of Progress vans. Based on the Progress Flag design, they proudly signify our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and our stance on representation for all.
We are continuing to improve the inclusivity and diversity of our product range. Our Elastoplast Multitone plasters launched earlier this year and we are looking at more ways to improve our range for all our customers.
Our commitment to representing diverse communities extends to our monthly OcadoLife magazine, too. Every issue features a diverse list of writers, photographers, stylists and experts, and over the past 6 months there has been an increase in the number of BAME contributors. So far this year, we’ve featured the writer and wine judge, Aleesha Hansel; the dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad, and the horticulturist Poppy Okotcha, who advocates for those who are under-represented in the world of horticulture and environmentalism.
We’re very happy to be extending our relationship with PSALT, the not-for-profit organisation whose goal is to get more young black talent and other under-represented groups into the Consumer Goods Industry. We’ve been working with them on our Grad scheme and, from July, eight senior leaders at Ocado will mentor graduates from different ethnic and social backgrounds.
Our team is now 20% BAME – 3.6% Black and 16.4% made up of Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds. This is an overall increase of 3% since our last update.
We are proud to have the most diverse leadership team for gender and minority heritage in our industry with 15% of our senior leadership team having minority heritage, and is also 57% female and 43% male.
Please share your questions or suggestions by emailing us at diversity@ocadoretail.com.
Thank you,
Mel Smith CBE, CEO, and everyone in the Ocado Retail family.
*As a comparison, the most recent UK census reported 86% of people in the UK as White, and 14% as belonging to a Black, Asian, Mixed or Other ethnic group. (source: UK Census data from ONS).