Southern Co-op recognised by its diversity and inclusion partners

The work of Southern Co-op's Diversity and Inclusion Manager is being recognised at two different ceremonies in May and June.

Southern Co-op is a finalist for Inclusive Employer of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards following work with the Weston-super-Mare college offering placements for students with special educational needs.

The independent, regional co-operative has also been invited to receive a special presentation from Share to Support and The Western Training Provider Network after it pledged £75,000 of its unspent apprenticeship levy to businesses in the Bath and North East Somerset regions.

Both of the above initiatives were introduced by Southern Co-op and its Diversity and Inclusion Manager Linda Masterman as part of its commitment to the community and to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities.

"Linda has been very busy making sure we continually assess the way we work and interact with individuals," said Rachel Evans​, Head of Organisation Development and Diversity at Southern Co-op. "Our goal is to make everyone feel accepted, comfortable and ready to share their opinions and thoughts without hesitation, because everyone's contribution is equally valuable.

"So it's wonderful to have some of our work recognised from two well known providers in our trading area."

Southern Co-op has been working with a company to provide series of neurodiversity awareness sessions for the HR team, leadership team and Board members. This will be opened up to more senior managers in the business and e-learning on neurodiversity awareness will be rolled out for all colleagues.

Work experience is one way in which Southern Co-op has been supporting individuals into the workplace with short or extended work placements, often guided by the organisations placing the individual.

Southern Co-op hopes to place 50 of these work placements by 2024, with one third being offered permanent roles with Southern Co-op.

To find out more about work experience opportunities, visit https://southern.coop/work-experience-and-work-placements.

Grants are also available to charities or local good causes in the south of England with a focus on inclusivity and enabling interaction with others through Southern Co-op's More Inclusive Fund.

To find out more, visit www.neighbourly.com/MoreInclusiveNeighbourhoodsLocalFunding.