We want all of our colleagues to feel proud to be themselves at work, and proud to say #iAMStonewater.
We facilitate conversations and initiatives around equality, diversity, and inclusion with the opportunity to join many calendar events and networking groups, including an annual dedicated Inclusion Week which aims to embed the concept of Inclusion by uniting and showcasing the intersectionality of our colleagues.
Having a diverse and inclusive culture is critical to who we are and how we perform best as a business. Positioned at the intersection of our strategic framework, equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We can’t wait for you to bring your whole self to work with us.
Be part of a community
You’ll have the opportunity to be part of our employee networking groups, which are groups created by our people, for our people. These influential groups represent various experiences and communities who generate through-provoking work to enhance our organisation and the way we do things, while also enabling all our colleagues to feel a sense of belonging.
Each networking group is run by a committee of passionate people from across the business, and offer members the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, communication and business change, all while building strong networks and relationships.
2GeTher - Race Equality
2GeTher is our race equality network and offers a community and support system that promotes recruitment, retention and development of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues at Stonewater, whilst promoting a culture of inclusion, respect and authenticity.
2GeTher celebrates Black History Month and Race Equality Week every year, publish blogs and run events to raise awareness of different communities and cultures.
We have achieved ‘Exemplary Employer’ status and a place in the Top 10 Employee Networking Groups in the UK as part of the Ethnicity Awards and supported Stonewater to gain a place as a Top 10 Outstanding Employer as part of our Investors in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix accreditation and an Ethnicity Award for the second year in a row. This important work was led by our 2GeTher Network.
Alliance - Gender Equality
Alliance is made up of a collective of colleagues from all across the business determined to address gender inequality and ensure a level playing field across all genders. We work to nurture a culture that removes barriers structurally, and enables colleagues of all genders to thrive and flourish.
The Alliance Network has two affiliated groups:
Menopause Listening Group: We hold monthly listening groups to support our colleagues experiencing the menopause. These groups provide solidarity, a listening ear, and useful signposting to our benefits and other resources.
We have two Menopause Champions in the organisation who can support our colleagues, as well as a Menopause Policy and Guidance for colleagues and managers. We are also proud to pay for our colleagues’ HRT pre-payment certificates so that our colleagues who need it can maintain their quality of life without affordability being a barrier.
We are a Menopause Friendly Employer and are working towards our Menopause Friendly accreditation.
Stronger Together: Open to everyone regardless of gender identity, Stronger Together holds events related to men’s issues, and is made up of a group of passionate colleagues and allies.
Inspire - Disability Equality
Inspire is our disability network and aims to contribute toward building a more inclusive organisation through the employment and development of disabled people.
We further the organisation’s understanding of disability through education and awareness raising, and help to foster trust amongst disabled colleagues so that we can offer the very best support and reasonable adjustments we can.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and are working towards becoming a Disability Confident Leader, leading on this important work for the business and encouraging our partners to do the same.
The Inspire Network has two affiliated groups:
Carers Listening Group: Frequent listening groups are held for colleagues who have caring responsibilities to give them an opportunity to share experiences and have open, confidential discussions about this difficult topic. Colleagues can seek advice, peer support, gain awareness of what support is available, and be part of a community of colleagues who understand.
Neurodiversity Listening Group: These listening groups have been set up to support neurodiverse colleagues and provide a space to discuss experiences, seek support and advice, and learn about what support is available. The group reminds colleagues that neurodiversities, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, are skills from which the business can benefit, and this is something to be appreciated.
Stonewater offers an assessment fund for those on the waiting list for a neurodiversity assessment, as we know this process can be long and difficult. Along with relevant reasonable adjustments, we also offer Microsoft’s Read & Write tool to all colleagues and their families which can remove barriers to participation for many of our colleagues.
Spectrum – LGBTQ+ Equality
Spectrum aims to ensure that Stonewater is a visible, proactive, LGBTQ+ champion where LGBTQ+ colleagues can truly bring their whole selves to work.
Spectrum have attended Brighton, Birmingham and Swindon Pride in recent years to support colleagues and customers in these areas, and have hosted events for PRIDE, LGBTQ+ History Month and many others.
Recognising our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- We’re ranked in the top 10 for both the Outstanding Employer and Networking Group categories by Investing in Ethnicity.
- We are members of Disability Confident and are currently a Disability Confident Employer, working towards our Disability Confident Leader accreditation.
- We’ve received full accreditation from the Workplace Wellbeing Charter, endorsed by Public Health England. We were awarded the highest level of ‘excellence’ in two criteria.
- We’re members of Menopause Friendly and are working towards out Menopause Friendly Employer accreditation.
