Diversity, equity and inclusion 

Creating a more diverse and inclusive organisation is an integral element of our cultural transformation.

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At Imperial Brands, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) isn’t just something we talk about. 

By making it a key part of our culture, and embedding it into the fabric of our business, we’re increasing awareness of the importance of DEI across every part of our organisation.

We define diversity as everything that makes each of us unique; equity as giving fair treatment and opportunity to all; and inclusion as involving and accepting every individual and valuing their difference.


Our DEI ambition 

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation renowned for celebrating difference, enabling our people to feel they belong and be their authentic selves.

We will respect, recognise and value the diversity of our consumers and reflect the communities in which we operate.

our dei ambition

Our Plan

To deliver our ambition we have defined three key areas of focus, each with a clear plan and goals:


Workplace

Our Workplace focuses on our environment, policies, practices and behaviours.

Workforce

Our Workforce focuses on representation – the makeup of our people.

Marketplace

Our Marketplace focuses on how we operate with consumers and ensuring products and services are sourced from a diverse supplier base.


Business Employee Resource Groups

At the centre of our efforts are our Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs). Our BERGs are integral to our business, helping us embed DEI in what we do, and how we operate, every day.

Our four global BERGS are focused on disability, gender, LGBTQ+ and ethnicity. Each BERG has Executive level sponsorship, and Co-Leads from across the business who have clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Although they each have their individual areas of focus, our BERGs work together as allies with colleagues from across the globe in support of all aspects of diversity.  

Diverseability logo

Our Global Business Employee Resource Group and advocacy network for disabilities, neurotypes and long-term health conditions.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

We are one BERG logo

Creating awareness throughout the organisation about ethnic and cultural diversity. 

Gender BERG logo

Enabling a transparent environment where all genders feel empowered to realise their full potential.

Pride Network BERG Logo

Enabling every employee to feel comfortable in bringing their true self to work.



We are committed to creating a truly diverse and inclusive organisation renowned for celebrating difference, enabling our people to feel that they belong and can be their authentic selves, best enabling the performance of every colleague – benefiting our consumers, our business and our people.

Alison Clarke,  Chief People and Culture Officer

Alison Clarke

global workforce

We all have a part to play

Our global workforce is incredibly diverse, and we know that our differences make us stronger.

Everyone at Imperial Brands is accountable for diversity, equity and inclusion. By embracing and respecting our differences, we are creating a culture where not only can our people be their best and thrive, but we can also succeed as a strong challenger business. 


A diverse and inclusive workplace helps people feel they belong

Hear from some of our colleagues what belonging means to them and how they feel truly seen at Imperial

Matthew

Matthew wants his colleagues to know that he is a unique individual who is not defined solely by his ethnicity or sexual orientation but by a myriad of other experiences. For him, truly appreciating who we are involves taking the time to learn about one another.

Debbie

Debbie is an African American woman. A mother to three daughters. A wife to a wonderful woman. And at Imperial, she is celebrated and encouraged to bring her authentic self to work, every day.

 

Wai-Fung

Wai-Fung comes from a small village in the Hong Kong-China border and has dyslexia. For her, being truly seen means people appreciate not only her heritage but also her past experiences. 

Andrew

Andrew believes role models and allies support us in standing up and being our true selves. He discusses his authentic self and coming out later in life, highlighting how role models can be key to being part of this process.

James

What does it mean to be truly seen? James advises us to forget what we think we know about other people and take time to truly understand who they are and celebrate the fact that we’re all different.

Dorota

How does Dorota ensure everyone feels they belong? She talks to different people and makes an effort to understand them. She acknowledges what makes them unique and celebrates who they are. 

Fernando


Not having to hide allows Fernando to give his best and focus on his job, not on what the people around him may be thinking of him. Hear why he feels proud to work at Imperial and his top tips for making people feel like they belong.


 


Partners we work with

We proudly partner with external expert organisations to support and validate the work we are doing to create a diverse and equitable organisation. 

Business Disability Forum

 

As partners of the Business Disability Forum, we work to improve the experiences of disabled employees by removing barriers to inclusion.

Stonewell global diversity champion Logo

 

Membership of the Stonewall Global Diversity Champions programme gives us access to LGBTQ+ focused resources and advice on how to build a more inclusive workplace. 

Comitted member of inclusive employers logo

 

Inclusive Employers provide us with expert inclusion and diversity advice, consultancy, learning and insights.

Radius certified logo

 

Investing in our Business Employee Resource Groups helps to drive organisational change and build an inclusive workplace.


People & Planet

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is one of the eight key areas of our People and Planet agenda. Learn more about our focus on a safe and inclusive workplace.

safe and inclusive workforce

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