The beer and pub sector has united to support the British Beer & Pub Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter — the first ever for the sector — on its third anniversary.
The BBPA marked the #OpenToAll milestone by announcing that the charter has continued to receive the backing of a wide range of supporter organisations and businesses.
The charter helps businesses within the pub and brewing sectors embed and improve diversity and inclusion across their operations and venues. Those who sign it commit to putting diversity and inclusion across the board, no matter the role or level of staff member.
This includes placing diversity and inclusion on board-level agendas and ensuring it forms part of ongoing business strategies. It also includes appointing a senior leader of the business as a diversity and inclusion champion, who regularly engages in training opportunities and events.
Three years after the launch, their commitment to creating welcoming spaces and workplaces is as strong as ever. Supporters range from operators and trade associations to charities, who have recognised the value of the charter and its aim to welcome and embrace all.
Fuller’s have focused on increasing the number of staff who are neurodiverse or who have intellectual disabilities. The company commissioned a guide which gives staff the confidence and skills to hire team members from a hugely under-represented section of the community, and it has beaten its recruitment targets. Fuller’s now have ambitions to share this learning with the wider industry.
Meanwhile, Punch Pubs teamed up with Ask For Clive, a charity that helps venues promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and stamp out discrimination. They also worked with Calm In A Box to provide their pubs and staff with webinars that promote mental wellbeing, with topics including managing anxiety and coping with the menopause.
Pub company and brewer Greene King launched its Reverse Mentoring programme in 2022, and since then has paired more than 70 of its leaders with team members from its employee-led inclusion groups. The scheme allows leaders to gain a new perspective on the business, to witness and have a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities there are for people from under-represented backgrounds. Greene King has recently launched its customer promise, which reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all customers. Managers are given training and guidance on handling challenging situations.
Another BBPA member, Heineken UK, focused on training staff, with a guide that has led to greater confidence in serving disabled customers. This has led to improved interactions and customer satisfaction.
“In just three short years, our industry has come a long way in being more inclusive and diverse, which can only be a good thing for their staff and customers,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
“Our members have spearheaded fantastic, practical initiatives, and there are so many individuals who have led from the front and made sure their workplaces are truly Open To All.
“I am proud of every single one of our supporters who are helping to ensure our sector continues to welcome all who step through the door.”
