Brakes celebrates Pride and calls on others to follow suit

Leading the programme is the launch of a network of support champions to underscore the Spectrum programme, created by parent company Sysco to support LGBTQ+ colleagues.

For the month of June, these ambassadors will be on hand at all of Brake’s sites across the UK to offer advice and answer questions to workers. Brakes Learning and Development team has also developed an on-demand training course to help line managers to better understand the specific needs of LGBTQ+ colleagues.

The company is also fundraising for ATK, which provides safe homes for displaced LGBTQ+ young people and is changing its social media logos – not just for June but for entire year – to highlight its commitment and call for more action across the country.

In addition, its depot team in Aylesford has joined members from its Ashford head office to paint a Pride pedestrian crossing as a permanent reminder of the importance of embracing diversity.

Brakes also participated in Sysco’s Global Pride Day at the beginning of June to celebrate diversity across the world.

Incredibly important

“Having a diverse and engaged workforce is incredibly important to our business and we recognise how important it is to show support not just in June, but across the entire year,” said Margaret Gooch, Sysco GM HR director.

“We are very pleased to be launching new initiatives, including training and development opportunities that will make a lasting contribution to how diversity is viewed within Brakes.”

Alvin Engutsamy, chair of the Spectrum group at Brakes, added, “We are very proud of the work that our Spectrum team does in raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues at Brakes.

“Our Pride programme will ensure that, across the business, our colleagues can access the support and information that they need. We hope that the work we do will inspire companies across the sector to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.”