The LGBT & Allies network is part of Compass Group’s wider diversity and inclusion strategy to create a positive working environment for all colleagues. The launch follows the recently announced Women in Food initiative, a commitment to achieve a 50% female chef workforce by 2020, an increase of 15%.
Melanie Hayes, resourcing and development director at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “At Compass Group UK & Ireland, we are committing to a wider diversity and inclusion strategy in a bid to support a positive working environment which is inclusive for all of our colleagues.
“Following on from the successful launch of our “Women in Food” programme, we are excited to have introduced our new LGBT & Allies network and to be partnering with a leading LGBT charity and professional network so that we lead the way in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce for all.”
The company has also become a member of Stonewall’s Diverstiy Champions programme which will see the business work closely with the charity to ensure that its policies and practices continue to encourage an inclusive workplace for all employees. The business has also partnered up with Outstanding, a professional network for LGBT professionals.
James Haq-Myles, from Stonewall, said: “We are delighted to welcome Compass Group into Stonewall’s Diversity Champion Programme and I look forward to personally working alongside its team to ensure it is an inclusive place for all lesbian, gay, bi and Trans staff.
“We know that people perform better when they can be themselves, and that a diverse team produces a more creative and productive workplace environment, and so a commitment to LGBT equality also produces tangible business benefits.’
“We hope that this influences other organisations within the sector to sign up to the programme and learn how they can make their organisations a better place to work.”
OUTstanding’s CEO, Suki Sandhu also commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Compass Group as an OUTstanding member. We know that their commitment to the diversity agenda will give them a competitive advantage, they’ll attract the best talent, make better decisions, be more innovative and, crucially, improve productivity.”