Inclusion and diversity
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
Everyone belongs
Wessex Water has a history of doing things differently - it has helped us to become one of the leading water and sewerage companies in the UK.
Whether it is looking differently at the way we support customers on low incomes to implementing innovative solutions to tackle pollution, we are passionate about embracing new ways of doing things. This approach would not be possible without the diversity of the people who work with us and their talent, experience and skills.
We go out of our way to see things from new viewpoints and we continue to encourage innovation and diversity through gender, diversity of thought, ethnicity, race, age, disability, sexual orientation and social background.
We are committed to a culture where everyone belongs and thrives. We celebrate diversity - it's good for our people, our customers and our business.
Some of the great things we do:
Supporting each other
There's a whole range of interest groups for you to get involved in which are created by our people and run by our people including LGBT+, Women in Wessex, the Wellbeing Choir, Menopause Mentors, Musicians in Wessex, Run Club and Parent's Support.
Our Wellbeing Champions are committed to helping you look after your physical and mental health and you will also be able to benefit from other initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders, free eye tests and access to various free advice services.
Flexible working
The promotion of flexible working can increase employee motivation, promote work-life balance, reduce employee stress, and improve performance and productivity.
We support and encourage flexible working so work can fit around your lifestyle or demands whether that be as a parent, grandparent, carer or simply want to explore opportunities and hobbies to enhance your wellbeing and create a better work-life balance. Our mantra for flexible working is "reason neutral". What's important to you, is important to us.
Please click here for examples of people that work flexibly at Wessex Water.
The ARC Alliance
We recognise that LGBTQ+ employees require an opportunity to both represent and be represented across our business. We want to develop a culture of true equality, ensuring LGBTQ+ employees are treated with respect and dignity at all times, have access to a non-judgemental support service, and have the opportunity to have a positive influence on ensuring all policies, practises and procedures are of an inclusive nature.
We provide a 'safe space' where likeminded employees can receive support and signposting in the knowledge that all conversations are dealt with in the strictest of confidence if requested.
The Working Family Group
The Working Families Group are a self-elected committee of colleagues who volunteer their time to provide a support network for parents and parents-to-be. The group also aims to provide and promote wider business benefits associated with improved recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, by focusing on the wider interests of these employees.
The group meet monthly and engage with the People Team, People's Councils and the CID working group on ideas and future activities. They review topics of interest with employees across the business at least every year to ensure they are vocalising the topics that need the most attention.
Menopause Mentors
Debbie Wood, our Head of Resourcing and Development set up the menopause mentors group. She said: “Menopause is something that impacts everyone, whether directly or indirectly. I wanted to make sure support was available for people in the workplace so established the ‘menopause mentors’ group. The mentors provide support, advice and signposting for everyone, whenever they need it.”
Our aim is to make sure we support people in every way possible to transition through this challenging stage in their lives by talking, sharing experiences and getting tips from each other to make this time a little easier. We provide flexibility and adjustments to support people in every way possible.
Culture Champions
We have an active group of Culture Champions who promote our culture of inclusion and diversity across the business and work with our leadership team on activities such as improving management training, updating our family friendly policies and celebrating national days. This group of highly engaged people are committed to driving initiatives across our business to ensure we see real results in this area.
The working group advises the company on how to enable its vison to celebrate diversity and encourage inclusion, empowering everyone to take ownership, listen to our peoples’ views, ideas, concerns and act on them. We reject any form of discrimination or bias and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
The future generation
We know we need to focus on attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. We are committed to supporting our local community and helping the younger generation of aspiring working adults get started on their career journey. Each year, we support our local schools by sending volunteers to provide career advice, help students prepare for interviews, conduct mock interviews and help with CV preparation.
We encourage girls into STEM subjects and the extensive work of our Early Careers team has increased our socio-economic diversity and female representation in areas such as engineering and construction.
Disability Confident Employer
"I applied to Wessex Water and was completely open about the fact I was a wheelchair user. Apparently, I was one of 40 applicants and shortlisted for an interview and we clicked straight away.
"My manager has been amazing, anything I needed was provided for me. My disability doesn't matter, and I just get on with my job like everyone else in the team. My advice for people would be open and honest and tell prospective employers about your disability. If you're not sure about anything, ask questions."
- Ryan Ashman, Junior CAD Technician
Armed Forces Covenant
As part of our many commitments to appeal to the most diverse range of potential employees, we have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
The covenant focuses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen including support starting a new career.
By signing the covenant we have made a pledge to guarantee an interview to any applicant meeting the minimum job requirements who has previously served in the forces or is part of the armed forces community.