Member Article

Sunderland employer supports workplace diversity

A Sunderland customer service centre has shown its dedication to workplace diversity and inclusion with a two-day programme of activities and workshops for employees.

EDF Energy, Doxford International Business Park, took part in a companywide initiative, Diversity and Inclusion Week, offering workshops and activities to employees, including information on ‘challenging the unseen’ - educating employees about unseen disabilities, the upcoming Paralympics and LGBT inclusion.

Kevin Gatens, head of customer service at EDF Energy Doxford said: “The activities for EDF Energy’s Diversity and Inclusion Week encouraged the team to learn more about how important diversity and inclusion in the workplace is.

“Everyone was really involved and learnt a lot from the activities. EDF Energy Doxford has been a fantastic place to work since it opened 20 years ago, and we look forward to maintaining a positive working environment thanks to our exceptional staff with support from initiatives like this.”

EDF Energy was also recently recognised for gender equality as the only energy company to be named in the The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2016.

The list is published in partnership with Business in the Community, the Prince’s Responsible Business Network, a business-led charity which engages thousands of businesses to work together to provide a fairer society and sustainable future.

Fiona Jackson, Head of Strategic Resourcing at EDF Energy, said: “To recruit and retain the best and most diverse talent, we know that creating a culture of inclusion is fundamental. Our employees and networking groups have been at the forefront of driving change and we’re delighted that their efforts have been formally recognised.

“We firmly believe that having a more diverse workforce equips us better to face the challenges and grasp the opportunities ahead, and to innovate and perform much better.”

The Doxford centre opened as London Electricity 20 years ago, with only 50 staff, before becoming EDF Energy in 2003. It has since grown into an employer of 1500, exceeding the original plans to employ 450 people.

Not only has the centre contributed to career development and the local economy, it has also provided approximately 3,000 hours a year of voluntary work to local charities and organisations in Sunderland and the surrounding areas.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by EDF Energy .