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Arco Launches Inclusion Committee to Champion Diversity and Equity

26 September 2024

Arco has launched a new inclusion committee focused on driving equity and diversity within the business.

The UK and Ireland's leading safety expert announced the forming of the new committee as part of National Inclusion Week (23-29 September).

The theme of this year's National Inclusion Week, "Impact Matters", is about taking meaningful steps toward real, sustainable inclusion in the workplace.

Arco is inviting any of its 1,400 employees to take part if they choose to do so, with the aim of raising issues and discussing actions that create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can be at their best.

The committee is a strengthening of Arco's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I), and creating a workplace where every voice is heard, and every colleague is valued.

By joining, staff will have the opportunity to influence decisions and actions that foster a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.

Chief commercial officer Simon Allan-Brooks is the executive sponsor of the committee, which will be chaired by market research and insight manager Leigh Hanson.

Asked why he wanted to be the sponsor, Simon said it was important for people in all areas and all levels of the business to be part of the committee.

He said: "It is a real privilege to be part of such a great committee and driving inclusion forward. I am looking forward to the self-education along the way with our team.

"For me as an executive, it's really important to be a sponsor for such an important topic. It's also a continuous education journey for me. As a middle-aged, white male, I'm stereotypically the person that needs to really learn about inclusion.

"So, while it's a topic I'm interested in and one I should be driving, I also have a lot to learn. And what better way than to be involved right from the outset?"

Arco has worked closely with Garry Clarke-Strange, of Think Inclusion Consulting, to define what inclusion means for the company.

Garry said: "From working with Arco this year to define their approach to inclusion, to now seeing change and action happen so quickly is refreshing and inspiring in equal measure; and something the entire industry should aspire to follow.

"I'm excited to see the impact the inclusion committee, with the support of Simon and wider executive team, will have over the next 12 months towards helping ensure that everyone at Arco can feel like they belong."