Inclusion @ Barchester: The Difference We’re Making Together

When I set up the Inclusion Group at Barchester two years ago, our goal was ”to ensure that we create an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong, by celebrating diversity”. Two years later, having conducted an Impact Assessment for the Group, it’s clear that much progress has been made.

The Group contributes to our (Environment, Social & Governance) ESG Strategy, our Employer of Choice aspirations (one of our four business priorities and part of our People Strategy) and supports our ability to attract candidates and retain engaged colleagues, focused on the delivery of consistently outstanding care.

Building Connections and Conversations

One of the most powerful things the group has achieved is sparking conversations we might not otherwise have had. With a group that has contributors from our operation as well as support and corporate functions, there’s much to share and discuss, particularly in the broader socio-political environment. With those external factors, it’s more important than ever to recognise the value our diverse team brings to the care of those living in our services. The Group is part of the ‘S’ in our ESG Strategy and reporting back at quarterly ESG meetings, and on our corporate website, Barchester.com, highlights the focus and value being added.

There have also been a number of National Campaigns highlighting key parts of the inclusion calendar, raising the profile and awareness of the diversity within our workforce, e.g. Pride Month, Black History Month, religious celebrations, Disability Pride and National Inclusion Week. These communications have recognised, celebrated, educated and engaged, with increasing numbers of people reading and participating over the two year period.

At a local level, the diversity of our workforce has been celebrated regularly with Cultural Days and celebrations with national dress, home foods and stories shared.

Feedback from colleagues, through Your Voice our engagement survey, show that all the culture and inclusion related questions have seen an improvement over the last two years. And in our Exit Surveys, more colleagues are feeding back that they are experiencing more consistent and fair treatment.

Raising Awareness and Understanding

Over the last two years, the opportunities to learn, raise awareness, and therefore understanding, of the diversity at Barchester and beyond have increased. The amount of ED&I (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) trainings accessible for colleagues has increased significantly. In turn the number of employee relations issues that have arisen around inclusion have decreased.

From a policy perspective, the Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) of all new policies has been reviewed to ensure that we review any potential impact of new policies on specific colleague groups at Barchester. Our Gender Pay Gap continues to improve, as we report on our corporate website.

Celebrating Our People

The overwhelming response from our teams demonstrates their collective passion for working in an inclusive business. The time, energy, and ideas that they bring, organising events to sharing personal stories, have helped build momentum and made inclusion something we can all take pride in. Inclusion @ Barchester is a community, and every voice in it matters.

Looking Ahead

Of course, there’s still more to do. The Impact Assessment has identified a few challenges and lessons learnt. So as part of our ongoing journey, the Group will be developing an action plan, with timelines and measurable outcomes to take the group, and its impact, to the next level.

Why It Matters

At the heart of it all, this is about people. It’s about making sure that everyone at Barchester feels seen, respected, and supported. When that happens, we don’t just create a better workplace culture, it reflects in the care that we provide to our residents and patients; Quality First.

Inclusion @ Barchester is here for all of us, and together, we can keep making a real difference.

Genevieve Glover
Chief People Officer