Secure Trust Bank Group (STBG) has been awarded the Innovative Approach to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion accolade at the Employers Network of Equality & Inclusion (enei) Inclusivity Excellence Awards for its internal podcast series.
Launched during National Inclusion Week 2022, STBG's podcast series is called 'This is STBG, this is me'. It was created as part of the company's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) strategy and aims to build understanding and appreciation of diversity amongst employees. Each episode of the podcast series focuses on a specific topic and gives a voice to a wide range of employees to help dispel stereotypes, increase understanding, and celebrate the rich diversity of the workforce.
The podcast is produced and hosted entirely by employees and involves recording informal and authentic discussions between the podcast host and fellow colleagues. Each episode highlights a specific aspect of ED&I, with guests sharing their lived experiences.
Anne McKenning, HR Director and ED&I steering group lead at STBG said:
"Since we launched our ED&I strategy this year, I've been passionate about achieving our vision which is for STBG to be a successful inclusive business where all our people feel respected, can confidently be themselves and fulfil their potential.
"I'm thrilled that we have been recognised by enei; I'm very proud of our colleague podcast and commend all of the guests who have bravely shared their experiences. The feedback we've received has been very positive."
Sandi Wassmer, CEO of enei, an organisation which puts diversity and inclusion at the centre of workplace culture, said:
"I'm impressed with the seamless integration of the podcast into STBG's comprehensive ED&I initiatives, demonstrating clear objectives and measurable outcomes. The dedication to co-creation and tangible influence was truly showcased, reflecting genuine commitment to ED&I."
STBG also entered Nina Elliott, Quality Assurance Analyst in the ED&I Inclusion Influencer of the Year category, and she was highly commended for her work as a volunteer championing the LGBT community across the Group.
STBG has been ranked as a UK Best Workplace for the past five years. Feedback from its recent employee engagement survey, run in partnership with Great Place to Work, highlighted that 96% of colleagues feel they are treated fairly at STBG, which is 5% above the benchmark of other UK Best Workplaces (in the large category). Colleagues feel they are treated fairly regardless of their age, race, sexual orientation, disability, position, or gender and that STBG genuinely prioritises diversity and inclusion in the workplace.