TOTE CHAIRMAN’S THOUGHTS - EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSON - WHAT IT MEANS AT THE TOTE

Tuesday 8th March 2022

On International Women’s Day, I wanted to focus on how we are developing our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) at the Tote.

Over the years, I’ve worked in a number of businesses and have come to realise how vital this matter is, both at a human and at a business level. Only by working to actively create an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves can you build a truly successful company. It really is that simple. However, energy, empathy, and commitment are all needed to ensure this is achieved within an organisation.

In our increasingly better-connected world, we all have greater choice on who we work for, where we work, and how we work. This optionality has grown with the impact of Covid-19, adding more flexibility into most of our lives and making hiring and retaining the best people an even greater priority for every business.

We recognise this reality at the Tote as we build and develop our team. Our company has grown to over 170 people and includes a diverse range of expertise across engineering, technology, product, data, customer care, marketing, communications, and human resources.

For ED&I to be embedded within a business, it must start at the top, with the board. At the Tote, we have agreed a clear mission which is to:

Create an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel represented and supported, and to be a company where people from all backgrounds can be their authentic selves and feel included in the Tote’s journey.

This is supported by tangible commitments across five areas:

• Leadership;

• Governance;

• Awareness and Education;

• Supporting colleagues and promoting equality; and

• Engaging with customers and external stakeholders.

Details about each of these topics can be found on the UK Tote Group website here.

Crucially, these need to be commitments that resonate with everyone in the company and which are driven forward on a day-to-day basis by each individual to ensure we all live and breathe them. I am pleased to be our board sponsor for ED&I and to be supporting our Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, Susannah Gill, the Executive lead, who is working closely alongside Janet Ainsworth, our Human Resources Director.

We also have excellent members of the team driving the agenda forward. Susannah chairs the Diversity in Racing Steering Group, while our Head of International Partnerships, Tallulah Lewis, is Chair of Women in Racing who are recognising IWD with an event focused on mentoring at Sandown Park.

As a board and leadership team, we are all aware that our employees are our greatest asset and our approach to ED&I actively recognises this fact. From celebrating teamwork and the role of our apprentices, through to marking Pride Month, I can assure you that we care deeply about everyone who comes to work with us. Our Tote is a truly modern company, with people at its heart.

I am honoured to be leading our efforts to enhance equality, diversity and inclusion at the Tote.    

For more information about the UK Tote Group please visit www.uktotegroup.com and follow us @UKToteGroup and @ToteRacing.