BACKGROUND
Our client is one of the largest and most influential retailers in the UK, with a commitment to being an inclusive organisation that serves all communities. However, like many organisations, they recognised the need to address deep-seated racial inequities, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by Black colleagues, customers, suppliers and communities.
In line with their broader diversity and inclusion efforts, the retailer sought expert guidance to deliver a Black Action Plan (BAP) aimed at addressing these disparities. The BAP is an ambitious, multi-faceted initiative designed to improve representation, lived experiences, and opportunities for Black colleagues while also supporting Black communities, customers and suppliers.
Mahogany Inclusion Partners (MIP) was invited to consult with the client to provide strategic advice and support in shaping their Black Action Plan, particularly focusing on the Talent Equity Pillar and the empowerment of Black Action Plan Champions.
Our role included reviewing their diversity, equity, and inclusion (inclusive culture) policies, providing anti-racism communication guidance, and supporting the delivery of the BAP through comprehensive training for BAP champions in the organisation.
SOLUTION
Our engagement followed our Discover, Design, Deliver approach to ensure a tailored and impactful strategy.
Discover Phase:
We began with an extensive review of the client’s existing inclusive culture policies, procedures, and communications. This included conducting interviews with key stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Black colleagues and assessing the current gaps in representation, lived experience, and opportunities for career progression.
Design Phase:
Based on the insights gathered during the discovery phase, we designed a comprehensive strategy that focused on the Talent Equity Pillar. We also developed an engaging and accessible organisation wide anti-racism communication guide. We also designed training for the for Black Action Plan Champions to support the internal delivery of the BAP.
Deliver Phase:
In the final phase, we supported the rollout of the Black Action Plan through a series of tailored interventions, training workshops, and a comprehensive anti-racism communication guide. Our anti-racism communication guide was designed to ensure the client’s messaging was globally consistent, compassionate, and aligned with their values.
We also facilitated the BAP Champions Empowerment Day, which equipped champions with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead anti-racism initiatives within their teams.
TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS
The retailer’s Black Action Plan required a strategic approach tailored to the specific challenges faced by the organisation. Our work was designed to:Increase Representation:
- We worked with the client to review and enhance the Talent Equity Pillar. which aimed to increase Black representation at every level of the organisation by 2030
- Support Black Action Plan Champions: We developed training programmes for BAP champions to ensure they were equipped to drive the anti-racism agenda within their functions
- Clear, Compassionate Communication: We designed an Anti-Racism Communication Guide to ensure our client communicated their commitment to anti-racism in an accessible, compassionate, and consistent manner
OUTCOMES
Our collaboration with the retailer delivered several key outcomes
- Comprehensive Talent Equity Strategy: we supported the development of a robust Talent Equity Pillar that included clear targets for increasing Black representation to 3% by 2025 and 4% by 2030
- Empowered BAP Champions: Through
workshops, we empowered the Black Action Plan champions to lead anti-racism initiatives within their business areas. Champions were provided with ring-fenced time and a framework for driving the Black Action Plan, ensuring that anti- racism became part of the retailer’s daily operations - Clear Anti-Racism Communication: Our anti- racism communication guide helped the client to articulate their commitment to racial equity in a way that resonated with both internal and external stakeholders. This guide ensured that all communication about the Black Action Plan was consistent, compassionate, and aligned with organisational values
- Long-term Strategic Alignment: Our work helped embed the Black Action Plan into the broader inclusive culture strategy. ensuring long-term sustainability and accountability. This alignment is now central to efforts to achieve racial equity across the organisation.
CHALLENGES
One of the primary challenges the client faced was ensuring that the entire organisation-across all levels-was fully engaged with the Black Action Plan.
Our approach to empowering BAP champions was critical in addressing this challenge, ensuring that champions were equipped to inspire and mobilise their colleagues.
Additionally, there was a need to ensure that the clients anti-racism initiatives were communicated in a way that was accessible and non-confrontational.
Our communication guide played a key role in achieving this, helping the client navigate complex conversations with clarity and compassion.
CONCLUSION
Our work with our client demonstrates Mahogany Inclusion Partners’ expertise in delivering tailored, strategic racial equity solutions. By empowering leadership, supporting champions, and fostering a culture of open dialogue, we have helped this retailer make significant strides towards achieving racial equity for their Black colleagues, customers, and communities.
