The Scottish Wholesale Association is delighted to share the news that we have created a new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiative to help members embrace diversity and further build an inclusive culture.   

Launching with a webinar on Tuesday 11th February, members will now be able to benefit from expert help and guidance from leading law firm, Burness Paull, who have partnered with the SWA to navigate this increasingly important area of business.  Its employment law team is the largest in Scotland, ranked as Tier 1 by the legal directories, and acts for clients of all sizes. 

The webinar will introduce a brand-new guide and checklist, which has been specifically designed and curated to help members harness the benefits and opportunities that a DE&I culture provides, while understanding the bespoke needs and nuances of the food and drink wholesale industry in Scotland. 

Webinar: An introduction to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace 

Tuesday 11th February, 10.30 – 11.30, Online  

Book your place here: Scottish Wholesale Association & Burness Paull Webinar: An introduction to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace | Burness Paull 

DE&I can be defined as: 

  • Diversity: The presence and participation of individuals with varying backgrounds and perspectives, including those who have been traditionally underrepresented 
  • Equity: Equal access to opportunities and fair, just, and impartial treatment 
  • Inclusion: A sense of belonging in an environment where all feel welcomed, accepted, and respected 

 

Research by McKinsey found that diverse and inclusive companies are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors.  Diversity, equity and inclusion can improve employee morale, productivity, recruitment and retention. For example, in a study by LinkedIn, 80% of survey respondents said they want to work for a company that values DE&I issues.   

Colin Smith, SWA Chief Executive, said: “As an association we recognise and understand that DE&I is fast becoming a vital part of any business strategy and feedback tells us that many members still struggle to know where to begin.  

While there is already some great work on DE&I going on in the industry by individual members and colleagues, we have been working hard behind the scenes to produce a go-to guide and support offering, so that members can have easy access to the best information available locally.  This means they will be able to actively engage with the tools we are offering them to help ensure everyone feels welcome, respected and valued within their teams.   

I would encourage everyone from all levels of our industry, from wholesale and supplier member businesses, and any size of business to join the webinar. Whether supervisor, manager or director, attendees will gain ‘take outs’ to start discussions within their business.  

SWA very much sees this launch webinar as the start of the conversation with members about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and as the basis for building a future programme of advice and support that meets members’ needs. Our starting point is with the legal obligations that everyone really needs to know and understand. 

To register to join the webinar, simply register using the link Scottish Wholesale Association & Burness Paull Webinar: An introduction to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace | Burness Paull 

This is the first of an on-going planned series of engagement events which will cover timely and relevant content to help members meet legal requirements and build cultures where everyone can be their authentic selves and be at their very best.