The EDI Update: March 2024

As we enter March our focus turns to Women's History Month. Read on for more detail about our planned events and resources. 

2024 Women to Watch Index

The Index will celebrate over 100 senior women leaders and their impact across the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail sectors and will launch tomorrow Tuesday 5th March.

Kicking off our first UK Women Leaders Programme In the picturesque setting of Heythrop Park Hotel in Chipping Norton, we welcomed the first cohort of the UK Women Leaders Programme, supported by Bourne Leisure Ltd . Read more about the kick-off.

Working Women: Breaking Barriers, Powering Progress

We've curated the largest piece of research into women's careers in our industry. Keep your eyes peeled for the report launching on International Women's Day (8th March) with the key findings and recommendations.

Celebrating graduates of our latest Women NED Programme

In the fabulous setting of the Hilton London Metropole we celebrated the second cohort of our Women NED programme. Read more about the graduation.

Last chance to be part of the change!

Join us in shaping the future of Finance careers by taking part in our "Beyond the Numbers: Finance Career Aspirations in HTL & Retail" survey.

This groundbreaking study will explore the career paths of Finance professionals in the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail sectors. Your responses will contribute to an industry-wide report with key themes and recommendations for employers, driving progress in the Finance function.

To ensure we get as many responses as possible we've extended the deadline. There's now just under a week left to take part and the survey will close Thursday 7th March.

Complete the survey

In support of Race Equality Week we shared conversations with members of the WiHTL & Diversity in Retail Collaboration Community. We also hosted a webinar where our panel shared practical guidance for both individuals and organisations who want to drive meaningful change. Finally, we shared Part 3 of our Race & Ethnicity Toolkit. Supported by IHG Hotels & Resorts , Part 3 focuses on Making a Difference as an Organisation. Request your copy.

How Reverse Mentoring Improves Inclusion - Mentor & Mentee Perspective

Reverse mentoring breaks hierarchies, improves workplace inclusivity. Beverly Swift Nando's UK & IRE and Keisha Watson Pret A Manger , Paola Roson PwC and James King Compass Group UK & Ireland share insights, fostering positive changes in workplaces. Read the article.

Changes to the Equality Act (2010): Amendments & Recommendations for 2024

Did you see the 2010 Equality Act was recently updated, impacting employers and employees alike? In this article, inclusion in look at the amendments, the implications for organisations and recommendations for employers to ensure compliance. Read the article

FTSE Women Leaders Review: Highlights

The FTSE Women Leaders Review , supported by the UK government, sets ambitious goals for women representation on FTSE 350 boards. Check out our highlights of the 2024 Review. Kudos to WiHTL & DiR Member Organisations like IHG, Sainsbury’s, JD Sports, and others for meeting the 40% women on boards target! Read the article.

Spotlight on... Natalie Trumper 

We discuss a broad range of initiatives being undertaken by luxury jewellery brand and DiR Member, Monica Vinader Ltd . Natalie Trumper , Director of People & Culture explains their flexible working policy, the importance of EDI training for all employees and how becoming a Living Wage Employer has introduced financial inclusion as part of their overall EDI strategy.

If you or your organisation need any tailored support to help bring any of the above to life our sister company inclusion in can help.

Contact Stéphanie Cook for more details.

Coming Up - March

5th - Women to Watch in HTL and Retail Index Launch

6th - Ethnic Senior Leaders Programme C3 Graduation

8th - International Women's Day

10th - Mother's Day

11th - Global Women Leaders Programme C6 Kick-Off

12th - Data and Insights Committee

13th - 19th - Neurodiversity Celebration Week 

19th - Women’s Health and Wellbeing at Work Webinar

21st - Race and Ethnicity Committee

31st - International Trans Day of Visibility

View all our upcoming events

EDI News

• The 2024 FTSE Women Leaders Review has been published, view the latest report.
• Marks and Spencer is investing £89m into its retail staff pay which is the groups largest sum ever devoted to colleagues, learn more
• Greene King launch a new Fertility & IVF Treatment Policy for team members, learn more
• The 2024 People in Retail Award nominations are now open, and we’re pleased to say that our Founder and Chair Tea Colaianni will be on the judging panel this year! Read more info on the awards or to read more about Tea judging at the awards read the Retail Bulletin interview ( The Retail Bulletin ).
• Congratulations to the following women on their new roles;  Kerry Williams who has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Sweaty Betty Sarah Ashby who has joined Mamas & Papas as Chief Financial Officer Cathryn Petchey who has been appointed Chief People Officer at Center Parcs UK & Ireland Anja Madsen who joins Pets at Home as Chief Operations Officer