In today's rapidly evolving workplace, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the forefront of many UK companies' missions. As businesses strive to reflect the diverse communities they serve, numerous organisations have implemented groundbreaking diversity initiatives and created robust graduate recruitment programmes. We also know how important it is for a company's mission and values to align to your own when looking at your future career. Here's a look at 10 graduate employers who are excelling in these areas.
1. PwC
PwC has committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels empowered to be themselves. Their key initiatives include:
- 'Open Mind': A mandatory programme designed to help employees recognise unconscious bias.
- 'Be Yourself. Be Different': This initiative aims to create an environment where diversity of thought and background is embraced.
- Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting: PwC regularly publishes detailed reports on their gender and ethnicity pay gap, ensuring transparency.
- Affinity Networks: PwC has numerous employee networks focusing on gender, LGBTQ+, disability, and ethnic diversity.
Graduate Opportunities
PwC hires approximately 1,200 graduates each year across various roles, including audit, consulting, and technology.
Mission Statement
"At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We're committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone is valued for their unique perspectives."
2. KPMG UK
KPMG is renowned for its inclusive culture, promoting diversity through several key programmes:
- Inclusive Leadership Training: To educate leaders about creating an inclusive environment.
- Reverse Mentoring: Senior leaders are mentored by more junior, diverse employees to gain insights into different perspectives.
- Inclusion, Diversity and Social Equality (IDSE) Committees: These committees address diversity issues across the firm, focusing on gender, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, and disability.
- Disability Confident Employer: KPMG actively recruits, supports, and develops disabled employees.
Graduate Opportunities
KPMG hires around 1,000 graduates annually into roles in consulting, audit, tax, and technology.
Mission Statement
"We inspire confidence and empower change by fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and equality of opportunity."
3. Deloitte UK
Deloitte places significant emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with various initiatives:
- Deloitte Women in Leadership Programme: Aimed at increasing female representation in senior roles.
- LGBT+ Network: A support network for LGBTQ+ employees, with a focus on raising awareness and offering resources.
- Black Action Plan: A detailed strategy to improve recruitment, retention, and career progression of Black colleagues.
- Neurodiversity at Work: This initiative aims to increase awareness and support for neurodiverse employees.
Graduate Opportunities
Deloitte recruits approximately 1,500 graduates each year across audit, tax, consulting, and technology divisions.
Mission Statement
"Our ambition is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, irrespective of background, identity, or circumstances."
4. HSBC UK
HSBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for its global workforce:
- Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: This strategy focuses on gender balance, disability inclusion, and ethnic diversity.
- Balance: HSBC's internal network that champions gender diversity.
- Embrace: A network that promotes cultural awareness and supports employees from ethnic minority backgrounds.
- Ability Network: A platform for supporting disabled employees and promoting an accessible work environment.
Graduate Opportunities
HSBC offers 800 graduate positions per year across retail banking, wealth management, and global banking and markets.
Mission Statement
"At HSBC, diversity and inclusion are central to who we are and how we operate. We believe diverse perspectives help us drive innovation and make better business decisions."
5. Unilever UK
Unilever is renowned for its holistic approach to diversity, driven by a commitment to inclusion:
- Unstereotype Initiative: A company-wide effort to challenge harmful stereotypes in advertising and the workplace.
- Gender Parity: Unilever has achieved gender parity in management positions globally and continues to work towards improving this further.
- Racial Equity: They have launched a five-point plan to tackle racial inequality, particularly within the UK and US workforces.
- Disability Confidence Programme: This initiative is aimed at making Unilever a more accessible and inclusive place for people with disabilities.
Graduate Opportunities
Unilever hires approximately 400 graduates each year, across roles in supply chain, marketing, research and development, and finance.
Mission Statement
"At Unilever, we believe in doing business the right way, which includes creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued for who they are."
6. Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group is a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly with their focus on gender and ethnic representation:
- Race Action Plan: A clear strategy to increase Black and ethnic minority representation in leadership roles.
- Women in Leadership: Lloyds is committed to having 40% of senior roles filled by women by 2025.
- Disability Programme: This ensures the workplace is accessible to disabled employees and promotes a culture of support.
Graduate Opportunities
Lloyds Banking Group recruits around 500 graduates annually across various functions, including retail banking, risk, finance, and technology.
Mission Statement
"Our purpose is to help Britain prosper, and we are committed to building a culture of inclusion and belonging, where everyone can thrive."
7. Accenture UK
Accenture is well-known for prioritising inclusion and diversity in all aspects of its business:
- Ethnic Diversity Action Plan: Accenture aims to increase the proportion of ethnic minority employees in leadership positions.
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Accenture has been recognised as a top employer for LGBTQ+ employees and regularly supports Pride events globally.
- Mental Health and Wellness Programmes: Promoting a work-life balance and mental wellness, Accenture offers resources for employee support.
Graduate Opportunities
Accenture hires approximately 800 graduates annually, particularly within their consulting, technology, and strategy teams.
Mission Statement
"Accenture is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong, fostering an inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds can succeed."
8. Vodafone UK
Vodafone has long been a champion of inclusion and diversity, with initiatives including:
- Women in Technology Programme: This aims to address the gender imbalance in tech roles by offering training and mentoring.
- Vodafone Foundation: Provides funding and resources for projects supporting women, LGBTQ+ communities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Flexible Working Programme: Vodafone supports flexible working practices to create a more inclusive environment for parents and carers.
Graduate Opportunities
Vodafone offers 400 graduate roles per year in areas such as engineering, IT, finance, and commercial.
Mission Statement
"At Vodafone, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve and enables everyone to be their best."
9. GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Diversity Initiatives
GSK is driven by a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with key programmes including:
- Gender Pay Equity Commitment: GSK is working towards closing the gender pay gap within the organisation.
- Diverse Supplier Programme: GSK is committed to partnering with diverse suppliers, including those from underrepresented groups.
- Employee Resource Groups: GSK has a number of employee networks focusing on gender, race, LGBTQ+, and disability inclusion.
Graduate Opportunities
GSK hires 300-400 graduates each year into science, engineering, business, and manufacturing roles.
Mission Statement
"At GSK, inclusion and diversity are at the heart of how we operate. We believe that diverse teams deliver better business performance."
10. EY (Ernst & Young)
EY is known for its commitment to building a diverse workforce:
- Neurodiversity Programmes: EY provides support for neurodiverse individuals, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to thrive.
- Ethnic Minority Leadership Programme: Aimed at increasing the number of Black and ethnic minority leaders within the firm.
- Women in Leadership Initiative: EY has made strides in promoting gender equality at the senior management level.
Graduate Opportunities
EY hires over 1,000 graduates annually, with roles across accounting, advisory, tax, and technology services.
Mission Statement
"We are committed to building a better working world by creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity."
Diversity and inclusion are more than just policies for these companies - they are integral to their overall missions. From gender balance to racial equity and disability inclusion, these organisations are setting the bar for creating workplaces that celebrate differences. For graduates, joining such companies not only offers an excellent start to a career but also an opportunity to thrive in environments where diversity is actively encouraged and supported.
If you're ready to start searching for your future employer. Check out all the jobs on graduatejobs.com here.
