I usually attend various DEI huddles at Barclays. Barclays is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, recognising that these values are essential to building a strong, innovative, and high-performing organisation. The bank’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy is built on ensuring that every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Here’s how Barclays promotes DEI across the organisation:
1. Comprehensive DEI Strategy and Leadership Commitment
Barclays has a well-defined DEI strategy that is supported by leadership at the highest levels of the organisation. The bank’s leadership team actively promotes DEI initiatives and is accountable for driving progress. Barclays sets clear DEI goals and regularly reports on its progress, ensuring that these values remain central to the company’s culture and decision-making.
2. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Networks
Barclays supports a variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and networks that provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for change. These groups focus on areas such as gender, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, disability, mental health, and veterans. Examples include the Women’s Network, Spectrum (for LGBTQ+ colleagues), and Embrace (focused on cultural diversity). These networks are instrumental in driving awareness, creating community, and influencing DEI policies.
3. Inclusive Recruitment and Hiring Practices
Barclays is dedicated to creating a fair and equitable hiring process. The bank actively works to reduce bias in recruitment by using diverse hiring panels, implementing blind recruitment techniques, and setting targets to increase representation in underrepresented groups. Barclays also partners with external organisations to attract diverse talent and supports initiatives aimed at increasing access to career opportunities for marginalised communities.
4. Training and Education Programs
To build awareness and understanding, Barclays offers comprehensive DEI training and education programs for all employees. These include unconscious bias training, inclusive leadership workshops, and sessions on cultural competence. By equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to recognise and challenge bias, Barclays creates a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
5. Support for Career Development and Advancement
Barclays ensures that all employees have equal access to career development and advancement opportunities. The bank offers targeted leadership programs aimed at underrepresented groups to help them progress into senior roles. Mentoring and sponsorship initiatives are also in place to provide guidance, support, and visibility for diverse talent. These efforts help to create a more balanced and representative leadership pipeline.
6. Flexible Working and Accessibility
Barclays promotes flexible working arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of its workforce. Whether it’s remote work, flexible hours, or job-sharing, the bank provides options that allow employees to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. Additionally, Barclays is committed to making its workplaces accessible, ensuring that employees with disabilities have the tools, resources, and adjustments they need to succeed.
7. Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Barclays takes a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, recognising that mental health is a key component of an inclusive environment. The bank provides resources such as mental health first aiders, employee assistance programs, and wellbeing initiatives. By normalising conversations about mental health and offering support, Barclays creates a workplace where employees feel safe and supported in all aspects of their wellbeing.
8. Supplier Diversity and Community Engagement
Barclays extends its commitment to DEI beyond its workforce by engaging in supplier diversity and community outreach programs. The bank actively works with diverse suppliers and supports initiatives that uplift underrepresented communities. Through partnerships and sponsorships, Barclays contributes to broader societal goals of equality and inclusion, reinforcing its position as a responsible corporate citizen.
9. Global Approach with Local Focus
As a global organisation, Barclays understands that DEI challenges and opportunities can vary across regions. The bank takes a localised approach, tailoring its DEI initiatives to reflect the cultural, legal, and societal context of each region while maintaining consistent global standards. This approach ensures that DEI efforts are relevant and impactful across all the markets Barclays operates in.
10. Transparency and Accountability
Barclays holds itself accountable for its DEI commitments through regular monitoring, reporting, and transparency. The bank publishes data on workforce diversity, gender pay gaps, and progress toward its DEI goals. By being transparent about its challenges and achievements, Barclays fosters trust and ensures that DEI remains a priority across the organisation.
Conclusion
Barclays is dedicated to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritised, and inclusion is deeply embedded in its culture. Through robust DEI programs, inclusive policies, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Barclays ensures that every employee has the opportunity to succeed and feel valued. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting equality, Barclays not only enhances its work environment but also drives innovation and better serves its customers and communities.
