Sixteen of the UK automotive industry’s biggest brands – including Nissan – have come together to launch the first Automotive Diversity and Inclusion Charter.
Nissan and its fellow founding signatories represent a fifth of the sector’s manufacturing workforce. Also included are organisations such as the Unite trade union and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
All those involved are pledging a collective and public commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive (DE&I) workforce.
The landmark initiative will support ongoing efforts to retain and attract top talent as the industry undertakes its biggest technological and industrial transformation in more than 100 years whilst facing critical skills shortages.
By signing the charter, companies are publicly recognising that creating a diverse and inclusive workforce is not only ethically responsible but good for business.
The benefits include increasing employee satisfaction and motivation; improving decision-making and problem-solving processes; fostering greater creativity; and making companies – and the automotive sector in general – more attractive to top talent.
Nissan and its fellow signatories are committing to take action in eight key areas.
Pledges include appointing a board-level DE&I champion to lead change from the top; embedding DE&I policies into company values; improving recruitment practices to encourage diversity of applicants; and supporting career opportunities for everyone.
The charter and pledges have been established in response to recommendations in the Automotive Council report ”Driving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the UK Automotive Industry”.
Pivotal moment
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The launch of this charter is a pivotal moment for the automotive industry. It is a collective pledge to drive positive change, drive out inequality, and demonstrate progress.
”Our future success depends on attracting the best and brightest talent, irrespective of backgrounds, races, genders, cultures or abilities. A rich diversity of skills, perspectives and experiences can give us a competitive advantage and I encourage the sector to support this important ambition.”