Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) strategy is to attract and develop the best and brightest from all walks of life and create an environment where everyone can make their mark.
We will achieve the outcomes of our strategy through our three DEI pillars:
Leadership & Culture
Develop our leaders as inclusive role models and drive a culture where we harness diversity of thought for greater success.
Equitable business practices
Employ equitable business practices that improve the employee experience and affect positive change.
Diverse representation
Improve the diversity of our workplace to ensure we represent the customers and communities that we serve.
Governance & Impact
Ensure we have the governance in place to measure our success and maximise impact through industry collaboration.
We run an extensive and active DEI programme with activities based on each pillar, including global programmes, active communities, roadmaps and initiatives. These activities sit alongside guidelines and policies, including:
Global Family Leave policy
Our global family leave policy is inclusive for all new parents, across our regions.
Global Transition at Work policy
Outlines our commitment to supporting transgender employees and those with non-binary identities transitioning at work.
Global Workplace Adjustments policy
Supports Colties with disabilities or long term health conditions to ensure they experience a fair chance to join, develop and build their career at Colt.
Global Domestic Abuse policy
A commitment by Colt to provide support, resources and tools to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse, stalking or coercive control.
Menopause Guidelines
Our menopause guidelines for managers and employees provide information and support for employees as well as those who are directly and indirectly affected.
Neurodiversity Guidelines
Our neurodiversity guides provide information and have practical advise for both managers and employees on understanding and supporting colleagues with diverse cognitive backgrounds.
Key initiatives:
Aspire2Tech
A focused initiative to drive better representation of women in our technical functions, designed to help women transition into technical roles.
Allies in Action
An active community of allies that promotes equity, accessibility, and a sense of belonging.
Mental Health First Aiders
We have 75 MHFAs across Colt globally who have been trained to be the first response for colleagues who need a listening ear or signposting to further support.
Inclusive leadership programme
Focusing specifically on people managers and tailored to address individual teams and cultural challenges.
Accessibility programme
A multi-year journey for our business as we take steps to build accessibility into everything we do.
Menopause Reframed
Menopause Reframed is an initiative aimed at awareness raising, educating and supporting individuals in order to reduce the stigma around menopause.
Neuroinclusion Programme
A comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing neurodiversity awareness, training and providing support tools.
Colt's Early Careers Programme
Designed to recruit and develop the next generation through internships, apprenticeships, graduate schemes and early career roles.
Keri Gilder, CEO
Our employee networks help us support a diverse workforce
Women+@Colt
Our women’s and allies network exists to promote diversity and gender balance at Colt and engage with all employees to enable women to thrive. Women+ @Colt was Highly Commended at the 2024 Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion Award as the Employee Network Group of the Year.
PrideMatters
Our LGBTQ+ and Allies network strives to make us a more inclusive place, helping us drive the message that we embrace all identities. Pride Matters was awarded second place in the Outstanding LGBTQIA Network of the Year at the 2024 British Diversity Awards.
YOUnited
YOUnited exists to promote cross cultural understanding and an environment where anyone can flourish regardless of their race, ethnicity, faith or cultural background.
Disability Accessibility Network
Aims to raise awareness of visible and invisible disabilities and health conditions, and champion inclusion across Colt.
Next@Colt
Next@Colt focuses on the needs and aspirations of those who are early in career and aims to build connections, and develop talent.
Memberships, accreditations and awards
As a company, we firmly believe in creating an inclusive workplace for all and we have taken significant steps towards achieving this.
We’re always striving to be better to make Colt as welcoming as possible. In the meantime, we will use this recognition as motivation to do even more in the future. These memberships, awards and accreditations show we’re on the right track and making significant progress.
