Distributor Exertis has boosted its workplace diversity drive by appointing leads for its Employee Resource Groups.
The ERGs cover women, people from ethnic minorities and the LGBTQIA+ communities. Gemma Walters now chairs the ERG division for women, Manpreet Bath is leading the ERG for people from ethnic minorities, while Holly Chatton leads efforts to support LGBTQIA+ colleagues.
Walters is the general manager for Microsoft at Exertis, Bath is the general manager for data centre and commercial at the firm, and Chatton heads up data governance.
The purpose of an ERG, said Exertis, is to create a safe, supportive space for employees who share a common identity, and where under-represented staff support one another in building their community.
They will also “educate” the whole business about each community’s “lived experience”, and will aim to increase the amount of talent from each of the three communities at all levels of the business.
“The ERGs have been formed to actively promote inclusivity and to ensure everybody is given a fair chance to succeed and flourish in their chosen path within Exertis, regardless of their background,” said the firm.
Exertis UK managing director Paul Bryan (pictured) said: “The more we learn, discuss and elevate these communities, the more we break down the taboos within society and create safe environments, allowing people to grow and achieve their aspirations.”
