In support of ethnically diverse LGBTQI+ communities, IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Europe's largest celebration for LGBTQI+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent. Helmed by its ethnic diversity employee network, EMbrace, IHG is the first hospitality sponsor of UK Black Pride.
Together, the two organisations aim to build longer-term education, outreach, advocacy and networking with the return of UK Black Pride's annual in-person rally and celebration on 14 August 2022 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, this year themed 'Power'. IHG will also partner with UK Black Pride to promote and educate on the safe expression and celebration of identities and cultures.
IHG is proudly committed to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), which is at the core of its purpose to deliver True Hospitality for Good. This partnership with UK Black Pride demonstrates the company's passion and drive to not only make a meaningful impact on the world but also to encourage a work culture where everyone of all backgrounds feels welcome.
"This fully supports the actions we take as a business to champion a diverse culture where everyone can thrive," said Yasmin Diamond and Karin Sheppard, Co-Executive Sponsors, EMbrace employee network, IHG Hotels & Resorts. "A few key recent milestones include the launch of our inclusion index in our employee engagement survey, embedding inclusive hiring practices among our hotel and corporate teams, enhanced mental health guidelines, and new programmes to support the development of our ethnic minority talent in the UK and US. We have also introduced 'myWellbeing' – our commitment to support our people in many important areas, including their health, lifestyle and workplace."
EMbrace, IHG's employee network for ethnic diversity, along with Out & Open for LGBTQI+ colleagues, are just two of almost 30 employee network chapters at the company. These voluntary groups present platforms for employees and nurture workplace diversity across areas including sexuality, ethnicity, gender, disability, wellbeing, family and early careers.
One of the company's four strategic priorities is to care for its people, communities and planet, reinforced by its 2030 responsible business plan, Journey to Tomorrow. This includes specific diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and targets, which IHG will strive to realise over the next decade, supported by its people, programmes and policies.
