Metro Bank has signed the Race at Work Charter as part of its commitment to improve equal opportunities for black, Asian, mixed race and ethnically diverse staff.
The charter, which was launched in 2018 by Business in the Community, builds on the 2017 McGregor-Smith Review, which found that people from black, Asian, mixed race and ethnically diverse backgrounds are still underemployed, underpromoted and under-represented at senior levels. Organisations who sign the charter have committed to improving opportunities in the workplace and reviewing their policies.
As a signatory, Metro Bank will be required to appoint an executive sponsor for race, capture data and publicise progress, ensure zero tolerance of harassment and bullying, make equality in the workplace the responsibility of all leaders and managers, take action that supports ethnic minority career progression, support race inclusion allies in the workplace, and include black, Asian, mixed race and other ethnically diverse-led enterprise owners in supply chains.
Carol Frost, chief people officer at Metro Bank, said: “Signing up to the Race at Work Charter is a milestone for Metro Bank as diversity and inclusion is a huge focus for us and plays a pivotal role in our strategy. Being a signatory of the Race at Work Charter ensures we are aligning with other workplaces and taking the same tangible steps to fostering a more inclusive workplace.”
Sandra Kerr, race director at Business in the Community, added: “We would like to thank Metro Bank for publicly committing to be an inclusive and responsible employer. By signing up to the charter, they are joining more than 900 businesses which are working together so that the UK can have one of the most inclusive workplaces in the world.
“By taking collective action, we can break down workplace barriers, raise the aspirations and achievements of talented individuals regardless of their ethnicity and deliver an enormous boost to the long-term economic position of the UK.”