JT signs up to Diversity and Inclusion Charter

Thursday 22 July 2021

JT has signed up to the Institute of Directors' Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Charter.

The Charter was introduced to help encourage workplace cultures where diversity and inclusion is promoted.

It will look to provide businesses with the tools and infrastructure to convey a number of core activities including flexible working, safeguarding equal opportunities and better work-life balance.

Under the Charter each business will be required to self-certify annually, disclosing its D&I processes and using the opportunity to share examples of what it is doing with others. JT has previously supported the IoD by signing up to their Vision Statement published in 2020, prior to the establishment of the Charter.

As part of its D&I strategy, JT trains mental health first aiders among its employees, taking the total in the business to 30, which is the largest cohort in Jersey. It has also launched virtual bi-weekly mental health coffee mornings, introduced new ways of flexible working and ensured a good range of D&I questions are included in its monthly people engagement survey to measure progress.

HR Director Nicola Reeves said it was important to "visibly demonstrate our commitment to the themes of diversity and inclusion" given JT is "one of the largest and oldest local businesses" in Jersey.

"As part of the Charter, we hope to place a greater value on different attitudes and emphasise how important it is to have a truly representative workforce, and we both applaud and support the IoD in tackling such important issues. For us at JT, attracting and developing diverse talent is crucial to our long-term success as a sustainable business and community.”

Lisa Springate, Jersey's IoD Chair added: “JT has been a core part of island life and a leader of innovation for over 130 years, and today is the custodian of our critical infrastructure.

"Their ongoing commitment to our community and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, one that makes everyone feel equally involved and supported, is an example of how they recognise and value a collaborative approach to working - together we really do make change happen."