Sodexo announces tie-up with Stonewall

The contract caterer said it is actively strengthening relationships with key non-governmental organisations who support different diverse groups, as part of its drive to create a work environment based on mutual respect for all individuals whatever their age, disability, gender, transgender, marital or family status, race or ethnicity, religious belief or sexual orientation. Other such memberships include: Employers Forum on Age, Employers Forum on Disability, Race for Opportunity and Opportunity Now. Sodexo joins over 450 other members of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme in the public, private and voluntary sectors, where it will be able to gain access to best practice sharing, networking opportunities and research from the Diversity Champions, Diversity Champions Cymru and Diversity Champions Scotland programmes. Sharon Kyle, head of employee engagement and diversity, Sodexo, said: "I am very pleased we have joined forces with Stonewall. Having worked with them before, I am confident that the support, advice and the sharing of other organisations' best practice will be invaluable in helping us ensure we meet the needs and expectations of our lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, clients and customers." David Shields, director of Stonewall's Workplace Programmes, said: "Stonewall warmly welcomes Sodexo on to the Diversity Champions Programme. By joining, Sodexo has committed to providing a workplace that's fully supportive of lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. It also sends out a positive message to prospective employees, so Sodexo can look forward to recruiting and retaining the very best in lesbian, gay and bisexual talent."