Brown Thomas Arnotts Achieves Investors in Diversity Gold Accreditation
22nd May 2024
Brown Thomas Arnotts, the business behind two of the most iconic brands in Irish retail, has been awarded the prestigious Investors in Diversity Gold Accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity. Brown Thomas Arnotts is the 19th organisation in Ireland to achieve Gold accreditation, the Centre’s highest accolade, and is the first fashion and lifestyle retailer to do so.
To achieve the Gold mark, organisations must conduct an in-depth assessment of EDI practices across key pillars including diverse and inclusive leadership, recruitment, retention and progression, and how impacts are recorded and monitored. As part of the assessment, Brown Thomas Arnotts presented a range of evidence, including the progressive policies and benefits that form its BTA People Experience Offering. Brown Thomas Arnotts’ award-winning, inclusive approach to team wellbeing includes its Pregnancy Loss, Fertility Assistance, and Menopause Leave Policies; Stay Well Leave; and other benefits to support its team members, no matter where they are on their life or career journey.
“Doing the Right Thing is one of our Brown Thomas Arnotts values, and we have always believed in creating a work environment together that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable; and where everyone is valued for their unique contributions,” said Donald McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Brown Thomas Arnotts.
“Receiving Gold accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity is an incredible recognition of the progress that we have made in a short space of time, but it does not mean our work is done. Rather, it serves as a reminder that we must continue to foster a culture that values diversity, promotes equity, and celebrates inclusion at every level.”
“Our robust assessment highlights Brown Thomas Arnotts’ strong commitment to make Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) a key priority,” observed Caroline Cummins, Managing Director, Irish Centre for Diversity.
“A clear stand out is how they have brought their people along on the journey – involving team members at every level in a celebration of the rich diversity that exists across the business.
A people-centred approach is at the heart of what they do and a ‘People Experience Offering’ initiative provides a holistic view of personal and professional development interwoven with EDI values. These values are shared by everyone in the business and there is a positive drive and energy to continue enhancing the culture and make it one where everyone feels they belong, with the shared value of ‘Do The Right Thing’ helping to foster an Inclusive workplace culture. We look forward to sharing more of their continuous progress on their journey to Reinvent Retail.”
Brown Thomas Arnotts achieved Investors in Diversity Bronze accreditation in 2020; and Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation the following year. It was the winner of the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Award at the 2024 National Diversity and Inclusion Awards.
Pictured: Representatives from Brown Thomas Arnott’s DEI Board and Investors in Diversity application team. Back Row L-R: Khloe Dillon Coote, Sustainability Business Partner; Mark Limby, Stores Director; Sarah Winton, Internal Communications Manager, Front Row L-R: Anne Nuding, Senior Marketing Manager; Marina Alves, Internal Communications Executive; Lisa Connon, Head of People; and Janet Takuz, Creative Concept Manager.
