Arcus FM says ‘we can all do better’ and releases EDI strategy to strengthen diversity within the workplace.
Arcus FM releases five-year Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy to strengthen diversity and inclusion across its growing business and states that the FM industry can do better.
For the first time, Arcus FM is releasing an EDI strategy to the public with the view to further bolstering its reporting portfolio and increasing transparency, over the next fiscal year.
Since its inception, the facilities management company has always had a people-centric focus, with training, development and creating career pathways for its colleagues central to its growth over the last decade.
Now it has established itself as one of the larger businesses in the sector, the business wants to lead the way in facilities management where we have aging populations, predominantly male, and need to attract and retain top talent to ensure the innovation and service that customers demand is protected for the next generation.
Transparency is also key. Arcus already reports on its Social Value performance, and its sustainability impact – both of which highlight people, recruitment, and diversity statistics – but the need to be accountable for EDI is as important, and the newly published strategy sets the framework for this.
This strategy, and the Social Value and Sustainability Impact reports, can be found on the company’s website.
Working collaboratively across the business is a key theme of Arcus FM’s strategy and begins its journey by measuring inclusion and diversity within the company to identify areas of improvement.
Arcus FM reports within their most recent Sustainability Impact Report (page 36) that 75% of their C-Suite and 67% of their total colleagues are male, and this is a focus area in the first phase of the EDI strategy.
Debbie Gregory
Chief People Officer at Arcus FM
Debbie Gregory, Chief People Officer for Arcus FM, said of the newly launched strategy:
“Facilities Management is a largely male-dominated sector and we understand that women are still underrepresented within the industry – alongside many other protected characteristics. We all have a duty to do more. Whilst we have always been a people-driven company, we haven’t had such a strategic focus on EDI before, and our aim is to ensure that Arcus is supporting all colleagues and opening doors to those facing barriers to work.
“Equality, diversity, and inclusion are vital to the culture at Arcus. It’s about ensuring everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect; recognising and celebrating our differences; creating a level playing field so that each of us can make the most of our abilities and fulfil our full potential regardless of our background or circumstances.”
Theresa Bell
Chief Commercial Officer at Arcus FM
Theresa Bell, Chief Commercial Officer, the executive sponsor of the EDI strategy of Arcus added:
“Everyone within the industry could do with challenging themselves to do more and I‘m proud of the steps we’re taking. Facilities management is an amazing industry to work in, and whilst technology and innovation are often the things most talked about, it’s the people and their passion that drive our sector forward and what makes it unique.
“I’m a firm believer that a business is stronger, decisions are better, and customer experience is enhanced with the greater range of diverse views and backgrounds you have within the company. Having a meaningful EDI strategy that drives activity and changes across Arcus is vital for our future success – and ensures that all of our colleagues can be their authentic selves and deliver their best work in an environment they feel comfortable and supported in.”
