Sodexo’s head of DE&I shortlisted for prestigious award

Sodexo UK & Ireland’s Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), Raj Jones, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Head of Diversity of the Year category of the prestigious Burberry British Diversity Awards 2023.

The awards celebrate leading diversity and inclusion champions, recognising achievements over the past year across ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religious beliefs.

Sodexo is committed to providing all employees with the best possible work life experience regardless of age, gender, nationality, culture or personal characteristics, and strives to build a diverse and inclusive culture where its people feel valued and respected as individuals.

As Head of DE&I for Sodexo, Jones has responsibility for the strategic direction and implementation of the UK and Ireland’s DE&I initiatives.

Commenting on the news Jones said: “Being nominated, let alone shortlisted for these prestigious awards, is a huge honour. That being said, it is important to note that no one individual can be credited for the success of a DE&I strategy – particularly one that involves creating an inclusive workplace where 30,000 plus colleagues are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. So, I’d like to thank colleagues from across the business who continue to champion DE&I and work passionately and tirelessly to keep it on the agenda.”

Mark Goodyer, HR Director for Sodexo UK & Ireland commented: “Diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded at the heart of our business strategy and driven throughout the organisation, from the boardroom to our colleagues, who deliver services to our customers every day. DE&I is at the core of our EVP, ensuring that our colleagues feel they belong to a team and a company that allows them to act with purpose and thrive in their own way.

“Raj is a trusted and critical advisor, continually pushing for positive change both internally and externally, and for social good. She is a progressive leader who holds both myself and Sodexo accountable for making positive change.  We are proud to see her recognised as a finalist at these awards.”

With nominations across 19 categories, the 2023 Burberry British Diversity Awards has established itself as a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion, with this year’s awards recognising the positive impact of marketing, campaigning, media diversity and social mobility representation across the UK.

Other finalists including Virgin Atlantic, NatWest and HSBC UK as well as celebrity finalists Alison Hammond, Alan Carr and Stormzy who are shortlisted for the Greene King Media Champion in the Public Eye category.

Linda Riley, founder of the Burberry British Diversity Awards, said: “In these particularly difficult economic times it is encouraging to see that so many businesses and organisations continue to put diversity and Inclusion in the front and centre of their strategic plans. I’m especially pleased to see an increasing number of organisations doing more to support wellbeing and social mobility.”

Jones has written a blog on how a feeling of belonging can make a material difference, both to individual wellbeing and the business bottom line.